A new data center campus is being proposed outside Lansing, Michigan, despite a local moratorium on new projects. Local officials have expressed surprise and dismay at the plans, despite the announcement coming from the local economic development agency.

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and Lighthouse Sustainability this week announced plans for a data center development in the Holt area of Delhi Township.

The 423-acre site, known as the Holt Economic Opportunity Park, is located on College Road in Delhi Township.

The $10 billion project could reportedly total 700MW. Located at 1375 College Road, gravel was previously mined on parts of the property.

“Delhi Township had a vision for the property before we sought a development partner,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP.

“We chose Lighthouse because they bring deep renewable energy expertise and a commitment to making development work for the people who live here. That combination matters. Smart growth means attracting investment that strengthens our economy while protecting the natural resources and way of life that make this community home.”

Delhi Township is located south of Lansing in Ingham County. The township enacted a 12-month moratorium on data centers in April 2026. The group hopes to use the interim time to outline the benefits to the local community and highlight the benefits of its approach to development.

LEAP and Lighthouse noted that no application has been filed, and no end user has been identified. LEAP and Lighthouse said they will “respect that moratorium and focus on a community engagement strategy for possible future development on the site.”

A new data center firm, Lighthouse Sustainability, was founded by Gary Dorris. Dorris previously founded energy analytics software and consulting company Ascend Analytics.

On its website, Lighthouse claims a development pipeline totaling more than 2GW. The Holt development is the company's only listed project.

“Throughout my career, I have worked to find new ways to deliver cleaner, more affordable power,” said Gary Dorris, co-founder and CEO of Lighthouse Sustainability.

“We founded Lighthouse to bring that same thinking to data centers. We are not here to make a pronouncement, but to invite Holt residents to help shape a shared vision guided by community priorities, grounded in evidence, and designed to create lasting value.”

LEAP holds an option to purchase the property and secured a $6.5 million state grant for site readiness work.

“This engagement process gives residents time to examine studies, question the project team, and provide input for a proposal before the Township is asked to consider it,” the group said in a press release.

The proposals have not been well-received by Delhi Township officials. In a social media post, the township board said it learned about the data center proposals via LEAP’s public announcement and had not been a part of any discussions. The township has also announced it is ending its membership with the Lansing Economic Area Partnership “effective immediately.”

"The Township is learning about the LEAP/Lighthouse Sustainability announcement at the same time as members of the media,” said Tracy Miller, Delhi Charter Township manager.

“Township board members have not received any kind of land use application or proposal from a data center developer. To be very clear, this topic has not been discussed at Township Board meetings. The Township and its staff are not involved in this. The LEAP/Lighthouse effort is independent from the Delhi Township board, planning commission, or administration, and the township was not at all aware of this announcement before receiving a press release on Tuesday.”

The township board has scheduled a special meeting later this week to consider a resolution opposing any data center development in the township. The resolution also calls on the Lighthouse to “keep its promise and stop its proposal if it attracts local opposition.”