Developer Withdraws Data Center Proposal Amidst Community Opposition in Howell Township

The developer behind a contentious data center project in Howell Township has withdrawn their rezoning application, halting plans to transform approximately 1,000 acres of farmland into a data processing facility.

The withdrawal occurred just hours before a scheduled public hearing, where community members were prepared to voice their concerns. Despite this development, residents remain cautious, anticipating potential future proposals.

Local resident Mary Motto expressed relief over the withdrawal, stating, "I am super happy that they withdrew their applications." However, others, like Lauren Prebenda, emphasized the need for continued vigilance. "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 noted.

The proposed data center, reportedly backed by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, faced significant opposition due to concerns over environmental impact, water usage, and the preservation of the township's rural character. In response to these concerns, the township had previously enacted a six-month moratorium on data center applications to allow time for comprehensive study and regulation development.

While the current application has been withdrawn, the possibility of future proposals remains. Residents and township officials alike are committed to ensuring that any future developments align with the community's values and environmental standards.