Background & Timeline of Events
Lenox Township is currently in the process of drafting two proposed ordinances: one addressing potential data center developments and another establishing a proposed “I-94 Development District.” The proposed district encompasses approximately 1,500 acres of property near the I-94 corridor between 26 Mile Road and 28 Mile Road, east of Gratiot Avenue.
The hashed areas on the map below indicates parcels which meet the proposed zoning criteria for data center development.
On January 28, 2026, the Township Supervisor’s office issued a public statement on social media indicating that the township was not aware of any active data center proposals or developers pursuing projects within the community at that time.
Prior to and following the March 23, 2026 Lenox Township Planning Commission meeting, community members began seeking additional information regarding the scope and intent of the proposed ordinances. Public interest focused on understanding how the ordinances were developed, what types of uses they may permit, and whether discussions with outside developers had occurred.
Subsequently, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests were submitted seeking:
- Copies of draft ordinances discussed at public meetings
- Communications containing references to “data center” or related development discussions during the 2026 calendar year
While awaiting responses to those requests, community members also became aware of materials referencing a proposed large-scale development project identified as “Project Honeycomb,” reportedly involving substantial acreage in the area near the proposed development district.
Initial FOIA responses were denied, with the township indicating that draft documents not yet formally approved were exempt from disclosure. An appeal was submitted, after which the requested draft ordinances were ultimately released.
Additional records obtained through FOIA included communications between township officials and outside parties discussing potential data center-related development activity. Among the records were:
- Requests from development representatives seeking meetings with township leadership
- Communications requesting letters of support associated with proposed development concepts
- Discussions involving feedback from the developers on proposed ordinance language prior to the ordinances being formally introduced to the Planning Commission
These records have led some residents to raise questions regarding:
- The timeline of communications between township officials and development representatives
- When township leadership first became aware of potential development interest
- The relationship between the proposed ordinances and broader long-term land use planning efforts
Community members have emphasized the importance of transparency, public participation, and open discussion as the township continues evaluating proposed zoning and development policies that may significantly impact nearby residential neighborhoods, agricultural areas, infrastructure systems, and surrounding communities.