Residents of Augusta Charter Township, Michigan, have gathered signatures for a 2026 ballot initiative to overturn a rezoning approval for a proposed data center on 822 acres of farmland. The effort pits local opponents concerned about noise, pollution, and utility costs against township officials eyeing millions in tax revenue. The grassroots campaign highlights growing national resistance to such facilities amid environmental concerns.
In May, Augusta Charter Township resident Travis Matts learned of a proposed data center on an 822-acre site largely within the township, a farming community of about 8,000 people southeast of Ann Arbor. Township leadership supported the project, unanimously approving rezoning in July for developer Thor Equities, a New York City-based firm. No client has been announced, though a planning report mentions tech companies like Google and Microsoft as typical users for such AI and computing infrastructure.
Plans call for at least five large buildings on current farmland and wetlands, potentially consuming 1 million gallons of water daily and including large generators, according to local reports. Opponents, fearing endless noise, light pollution, higher electric rates, and loss of rural character, formed Protect Augusta Charter Township (PACT). Matts, whose family has lived in the area for 100 years, said, “It’s sad that we residents have to fight as hard as we do to keep these facilities out of our backyards, but if we don’t then who will? We’re taking it into our own hands.”
By August, PACT collected 957 signatures—exceeding the required 561—to force a referendum, estimating they spoke to 1,200-1,400 residents with strong support. The ballot language will be developed after certification, with a vote possible in a special election as early as May 2026. Township Clerk Kim Gonczy highlighted benefits, stating, “It would just be so huge for us... likely ‘millions of dollars’... It could make such a big difference for the township.” She noted potential water and sewer upgrades and downplayed concerns after visiting a similar facility in Toledo, where noise levels met local ordinances.
Tensions escalated with an August incident where a township official allegedly called police on PACT volunteers collecting signatures near township hall; the officer found no wrongdoing but asked them to move. Resident Deborah Fuqua-Frey called it “harassment” during public comments. Anonymous threats and restrictions on discussion at board meetings by Supervisor Todd Waller have also been reported.
This fight mirrors broader U.S. opposition, including neighboring Saline Township's September rejection of a similar plan. Tim Minotas of the Sierra Club of Michigan said, “In the absence of state or federal protections, it’s really the responsibility of our local communities to take a stand.” Denise Keele of the Michigan Climate Action Network added, “The fears are real... They suck up energy and... will raise our energy rates.” Opponents like Matts argue the 1,000 industrial acres would destroy the community's identity, calling it “asinine.”