Two data centers planned by the University of Michigan (U-M) have been asked to relocate following a meeting by local officials.

The data centers are part of a $1.2bn project, and are currently planned for 124 acres purchased by U-M off Textile Road in Ypsilanti Township in June 2024.

The data centers would be used for high-performance computing (HPC) and AI research, aiming to "strengthen the university’s research capabilities in science, energy, and national security and create new jobs in southeast Michigan." They would house two computing centers - one for Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists, and the other for academic purposes for U-M faculty and students. Construction is currently slated to begin in 2026.

The project has, however, faced significant opposition. Around 80 residents turned up to protest the project at a Ypsilanti Township board of trustees meeting in June.

Ypsilanti's board met again on August 19 and has now asked U-M to look into locating the data centers at the old General Motors Hydramatic property instead, which is currently leased by the American Center for Mobility.

In the packet from the meeting, letters from township representatives wrote of concerns that "despite recent numerous requests by the full-time elected officials for additional, and detailed, information regarding this issue, we have to date been unable to get more than a cursory overview," and raised concerns about the environment and health impacts on locals.

Another letter revealed that the township plans to hire an environmental attorney - Grant Trigger - to work with their legal counsel on getting the data center relocated.

A third letter requested that the data centers only be allowed in locations zoned "Industrial and Commercial Revitalization."

WEMU89.1 reports that U-M's vice president of government relations, Chris Kolb, said the university previously negotiated use of the GM site for an 18-month period, but decided it wouldn’t work. However, per the township's request, the university has said it would re-engage with ACM and let the township know the result.