A mailer recently arrived promoting a proposed data center in Lenox Township from a group called “Michigan Deserves Better.”
On that point, we agree.
Michigan does deserve better.
Michigan deserves economic development that doesn’t require sacrificing thousands of acres of productive farmland. Michigan deserves transparency, honest public discussion, and a full examination of both the benefits and the costs of major industrial projects before decisions are made.
What’s striking about this mailer is that it repeatedly uses beautiful images of farmland and rural communities – the very type of landscape that would be fundamentally changed by the construction of a massive data center campus.
If the farmland shown in these photos is worth celebrating, it’s also worth asking whether it’s worth preserving.
The mailer makes several claims that deserve closer scrutiny:
🔹 “$240 million per year in property taxes”
This figure is presented as an estimate, but residents should understand that tax projections depend on numerous assumptions, including project size, taxable value, future assessments, tax abatements, and state policy changes. Large numbers on a mailer are not guarantees.
🔹 “Water use equal to about 65 homes a day”
Water consumption varies significantly depending on the facility, cooling technology, weather conditions, and future expansion. Residents deserve detailed, independently verified information rather than broad marketing statements.
🔹 “Residential electricity rates protected”
While Michigan’s regulatory structure generally requires large industrial users to pay for certain infrastructure costs, data centers still place substantial demand on regional electrical systems. Across the country, utilities are investing billions in new generation and transmission infrastructure to support rapidly growing data center demand. Residents should understand the long-term impacts on the grid before accepting assurances that there will be none.
🔹 “Thousands of jobs created”
Construction projects can create substantial temporary employment. However, data centers typically employ far fewer permanent workers than traditional manufacturing, logistics, or industrial developments occupying similar acreage. Residents should understand the distinction between temporary construction jobs and long-term local employment opportunities.
None of these questions mean development should never happen. They simply mean that residents deserve the complete picture – not just the sales pitch from a group who does not live in the community.
Michigan deserves responsible growth.
Michigan deserves transparency.
Michigan deserves protection of its farmland, natural resources, and local communities.
And most importantly, Michigan deserves an honest conversation about what we’re gaining, what we’re giving up, and whether the tradeoff is truly worth it.
Michigan deserves better. The question is whether this proposal actually delivers it.