Michigan Town Drafts Ordinance for Proposed $1 Billion Microsoft Data Center

The proposed $1 billion Microsoft data center in Lowell Township, Michigan is sparking concerns and efforts to create an ordinance that will govern its construction.

A draft of the ordinance has been started by an advisory committee consisting of local residents and officials. While the group is taking resident concerns seriously, including issues related to outdoor lighting and water usage, it's still in its early stages and may take several months to finalize.

The township board approved the advisory committee in May, with members working on a first draft for three weeks so far. Planning Commission Chair Dave Simmonds warned that there is no ordinance ready to present yet, stating 'it's going to take quite a long time' to complete the process.

Julie Echtinaw, a resident who lives across from where the data center will be built, acknowledged concerns about the township potentially rubber-stamping the ordinance in favor of Microsoft. She emphasized that transparency will be crucial and encouraged Microsoft to either sign off on the draft or express their inability to comply with its requirements.