HOWELL TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The developer behind a controversial AI data center proposal in Howell Township has withdrawn their rezoning request and text amendment application, township officials announced Monday.
Despite the withdrawal, township officials are proceeding with a scheduled public meeting on Monday (Dec. 8) evening at the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center to discuss the project with community members.
The proposed development, reportedly backed by Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram), had sought to rezone approximately 1,000 acres of farmland at Grand River and Fleming for the construction of a massive AI data center.
Township officials had estimated the project could generate between $20 million and $30 million in annual tax revenue.
The withdrawal comes after the Township Board implemented a six-month moratorium last month on approving the data center proposal, following significant opposition from local homeowners who opposed rezoning farmland for the facility.
Township officials are expected to provide more details about the developer’s decision and potential future plans during tonight’s public meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m.