West Michigan Projects
Companies have expressed interest in developing data centers on sites within Gaines Charter Township, Lowell Charter Township, and Solon Township, and formal rezoning and site plan applications are expected to begin the local review process. Other communities across the region are also reviewing their zoning ordinances to ensure they are prepared to address data center development thoughtfully and responsibly.
Local governments are responsible for reviewing proposals, establishing requirements, and making zoning and development decisions. This process includes detailed site plan review, enforceable conditions, and public meetings that allow residents to learn more and share input.
The Right Place serves as a regional resource by providing research, data, and examples from other communities to help local officials and residents understand how data centers operate, what impacts to expect, and how projects are reviewed and enforced.
Our role is to help ensure communities have the information they need to make informed decisions.
WATCH: Inside Microsoft’s Data Center Strategy: Why Digital Infrastructure Matters for Michigan’s Economy
At the Grand Rapids Policy Conference, Microsoft’s Senior Director of Government Affairs and Infrastructure, Jonathan Noble, explains how data centers power everything from cloud computing and artificial intelligence to modern manufacturing and everyday digital life.
ABOUT THE PROJECTS
Gaines Charter Township
Microsoft has expressed interest in locating a data center in Gaines Charter Township on the northwest corner of Patterson Avenue and 76th Street on commercial property purchased from Steelcase.
Lowell Charter Township
Microsoft has expressed interest in locating a data center at Covenant Business Park, which has been zoned for industrial use in the Lowell Charter Township’s master plan since the early 1990’s. The initial rezoning request has been withdrawn by the developer at this time as Microsoft takes the time to further develop their plans and share them with the public.
Solon Township
A tech company has expressed interest in locating a data center in Solon Township. In late January, the Planning Commission approved a 180-day moratorium as they gather more information on the data center industry.