HOWELL TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The developer behind a controversial data center project in Howell Township withdrew their application Monday afternoon, just hours before a scheduled public hearing.
The township board officially accepted the developer’s withdrawal request during Monday’s meeting, which they held despite the last-minute development.
“I am super happy that they withdrew their applications,” said Mary Motto, a Howell Township resident who attended the meeting.
The proposed project would have transformed approximately 1,000 acres of farmland at the intersection of Grand River Avenue and Fleming Road into a data center.
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Last month, the township imposed a six-month moratorium on approving the project following significant public opposition.
Lauren Prebenda, a Howell resident, expressed concerns about the project’s rapid progression and lack of transparency.
“My concerns generally range from just how quickly it all happened, a lack of transparency, information for community members, and then the obvious issues of massive water withdrawals and energy usage,” she said.
Despite the application’s withdrawal, residents remain vigilant.
“We do anticipate that they will try to return and do this process all over, so residents just need to be ready and continue to remain engaged,” Prebenda added.
Dan Wholihan, a Handy Township resident, expressed cautious optimism about the withdrawal.
“Right now, we are waiting to see what happens in the future. I hope it stays withdrawn,” Wholihan said.
The developer could potentially return with a new plan, which would require another review by the township board.
Local 4 has reached out to the developer for comment regarding the withdrawal, but has not yet received a response.
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