MONTAGUE — Montague Township's board discussed Tuesday, Nov. 11, a consideration of issuing a 12-month moratorium on the development of data centers, particularly those intended for AI usage, to allow the township’s planning commission to consider “to allow for further study in public employment.”
AI data centers have recently been hot topics of conversation on both the local and state level. Last month White River Township instituted a similar moratorium for six months. Elsewhere in Michigan, Washtenaw County saw community pushback over the development of a data center, and faced a lawsuit from developers after the Saline Township board voted to deny further progress on one facility's construction. Also last month, Governor Gretchen Whitmer welcomed a multibillion dollar AI facility project, which is projected to create 2,500 jobs for Michigan residents.
While the proposed moratorium for Montague Township is to allow research into whether this type of development is suitable for the community, it was made clear that this decision would also allow the planning commission time to adopt ordinances that may limit the likelihood of data center construction, as laid out in a draft provided by planning commission chair Bob Muzio and presented by treasurer Tracy Korthase.
“By addressing it and limiting where they can build, maybe they’ll not be interested in our area," Korthase said. "So by having that moratorium in effect, we block anybody from slipping in our back door.”
Many, including the board, are concerned with the massive water usage, electricity consumption, sound pollution, and the sheer size these types of facilities typically require.
The board will go ahead with the proposed motion for moratorium following discussions with township attorney Rachael Novak.
The board was also approached by Rivers Ace to present a proposal for its three parcels of property (totaling two acres) on the corner of Fruitvale Road and Old US-31, adjacent to the Dollar General. This proposal would be to build an outdoor bar and entertainment space with capabilities for food truck service, with a full-service restaurant constructed later down the road.
Rivers Ace likewise had several questions for the board, questions it was decided would be better left asked of the planning commission. While the board agreed that the presentation in general also better fit the planning commission, board members were interested in seeing Rivers Ace’s ideas for the property and decided to entertain the presentation at a later meeting.
The board was also visited by Kim Cyr, Commissioner for Muskegon County’s District 1, of which Montague Township is a part. Cyr reported the high turnout for the reception held Nov. 7 celebrating the newly revamped Muskegon County Airport, which now boasts new bathrooms located at the gate, reconstructed taxiways, free parking, and new services from Denver Air.
He also informed the township that the Michigan State Housing Development Authority is offering $30 million in community development grants to fund the revitalization and development of mid and low-income housing, for which Montague Township is eligible.
