LYON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A developer behind a proposed large-scale data center in Lyon Township is addressing residents’ concerns.
Jeff Bladen, Head of Energy at Verrus and the developer for the data center, said the facility would be more efficient than traditional data centers.
The proposed development, known as Project Flex, would span 1.8 million square feet and be built between Milford Road and South Hill Road. Would consist of six buildings and an on-site utility substation.
Opposition to the project is evident throughout the township, with “No Data Center” yard signs posted outside several homes.
Local 4 tried to speak with residents who had the “No Data Center” yard signs out front on Wednesday (Jan. 21) afternoon.
All declined to speak on camera.
While some residents declined to speak on camera this week, others have previously voiced worries about the impact on local resources.
In an earlier coverage, we spoke with resident Larry Papp, who said, “We are very concerned about the water, the power, and the environment it’s going to create.”
Another resident, Nancy Hopkins, described the proposal as unsettling. “It’s scary,” she said. “We’re all very worried.”
Bladen said the data center would be a different model than those residents may be familiar with.
“When I say a better kind of data center, we’re talking about a data center that is cleaner, quieter, better for the grid and more balanced for the grid,” Bladen said in a phone interview.
Bladen said the facility would use significantly less water than traditional data centers by recirculating the same supply. He also said the site would avoid diesel generators, reducing noise.
In addition to environmental considerations, Bladen said the project could provide an economic boost to the area.
We would expect our project to produce thousands of construction jobs, during construction,” Bladen said. “Hundreds of full-time positions once all of the campus is built out.”
Those jobs would range from IT roles to operations and maintenance positions.
A public meeting is scheduled for residents to speak directly with developers and ask questions about the proposal.
It’s set for 7:15 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 27) at the South Lyon East High School auditorium.
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