No Lowell Data Center
JOIN US. TAKE ACTION. GET INVOLVED.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendar with these important dates and events
We are Lowell.
Who We Are
We are Lowell area citizens who stand united and opposed the Microsoft Data Center project in our rural community.
Lowell is our home.
We are everyday Americans - farmers and teachers, nurses and doctors, small business owners, and 9-5 warriors. We are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, husbands, wives, and children - the heart and soul of what makes small town America beautiful.
We stand together today to preserve the integrity and character of our small farming community against a proposed 237 acre
hyper-scale data center.
Lowell is Worth Protecting
.jpg)
LET THE COMMUNITY VOTE
-
In January, 2025 elected officials from the Township and City signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Microsoft to lay the groundwork for an Artificial Intelligence Data Center development across from Heidi's farmstand in Lowell, MI.
-
In March 2025, the Planning Commission and Board quietly amended the zoning ordinance to allow AI Data Center development in the I-PUD zoning district.
-
In January 2026, the Planning Commission attempted to REPEAL material community protections (see zoning ordinance) contained in the I-96 Planning Area and I-PUD from the zoning ordinance.
-
The Township Supervisor has publicly said that regardless of the number of people that speak out against it, he supports the project.
-
The Township has been quietly working on this with Microsoft for nearly 2 years and in that time has amended ordinances in an attempt to fast track this development for the benefit of Microsoft opposed to the citizens of Lowell Township.
Check out the timeline and Lowell Resources for more information.
-
Join the mailing list below and stay up to date with developments!
-
Complete a quick community survey to let your voice be heard.
-
Send Microsoft and local "officials" a message! Scan the QR code and send an email using our quick and easy prewritten templates on the action page!
-
Check the events page for upcoming Board and Planning Commission meetings. Attend and speak out!
-
Familiarize yourself with AI and understand the real-world impacts of its use.
-
Talk to your neighbors. Invite them to attend meetings!
-
5 + 5 Method = Make 5 posts to social media and invite 5 friends to share those posts. Do this everyday.
Energy and Water
-
1 AI Data Center can consume all the energy from multiple nuclear power plants. (source)
-
Michigan currently at High Risk of grid capacity shortfall, increasing the risk of blackouts. (source)
-
High demand, low supply, inadequate infrastructure = increased costs. (source)
-
The Administration's 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge' and Microsoft's 'Datacenter Community Pledge' and not legally binding and do not go far enough.
-
Across Michigan, data centers will consume billions of gallons of fresh water annually (source)
-
Michigan's future water and energy security are at risk.
Community Impact
-
Decisions to permit this Data Center are being made by a few in the community, not the majority.
-
Individuals negotiating potential development agreements are not adequately protecting the communities interests or allowing for meaningful community input.
-
Some board members are perceived to have potential conflicts of interest in adjacent properties.
-
Not aligned with Lowell's Master Plan.
-
< 50 permanent local jobs created.
-
NOT a welcoming first impression of Lowell.
-
Future dependence on data center revenue. influencing future land use planning, investments and risk of more data centers being built.
-
Billions of dollars of equipment, replaced every 1-3 years will be exempt from MI sales and use taxes. (source)
-
Risk of decreased property value.
Noise, Light, and Odor Pollution
-
Elected officials signed NDA’s with Microsoft to discreetly fast track zoning and permitting.
-
Constant, low frequency noise and vibration from cooling units. (source)
-
Brightly lit, high security, 24/7.
-
Dozens of massive generators tested monthly.
-
No transparency, no trust.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
-
Significant job displacement (source)
-
Damaging impacts to youth and mental health. (source)
-
Non-existent regulation or oversight.
-
Privacy, surveillance and vulnerability concerns.
-
Powerful disinformation tools threaten American democracy.
-
Hi-tech billionaire profit motive.
-
The human, wildlife, and environmental risks as well as adverse impacts are greater than the rewards for humanity.
-
Requires an extreme amount of natural resources to power AI data centers.
.jpg)