Allen Park Residents ONLY-Rejection of AI data centers in Allen Park, MI

Recent signers:
Maryellen Howle and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

As Allen Park residents we are deeply concerned about the plans to establish a Solstice-Edge AI data center in our city. This data center, while promising technological advancements, pose several significant threats to our community's resources and environment. Not to mention negative effects on the health of citizens. Firstly, the data centers require a continuous high load of electricity, which could strain our local power grids and potentially increase the energy costs for all residents. This high energy consumption also contributes to a larger carbon footprint, contradicting efforts to make our city more environmentally sustainable.

The establishment of AI data centers will also demand large plots of land, anywhere from 10 to over 100 acres, which will lead to a reduction in available green spaces in our community. This not only affects our local wildlife but also reduces the recreational areas available to residents.

Moreover, to support these data facilities, significant investments in fiber and network infrastructure, fuel for backup power systems, and skilled labor will be necessary. There's also the concern of these companies expecting local tax incentives, which could diminish public funds that are needed for essential services within our community.

Finally, the cumulative environmental impact, including increased traffic and pollution, could surpass our city's capacity to handle such changes, leading to long-term adverse effects.

I believe that the resources and public services of Allen Park should primarily serve the residents and not be funneled into large corporate interests that may not contribute positively to our local community.

Please join me in urging the city council to decline the proposal for establishing AI data centers in Allen Park, MI. Your support is crucial for preserving our community's resources and ensuring a sustainable future. Sign this petition to protect our city, its environment and the health of its citizens. All those over the age of 13 years old can sign.

This is an effort to oppose the AI data center build in Allen Park, to further discuss requests of citizens if the project proposal is accepted, and to schedule a town hall meeting for residents. We are requesting an immediate response to the citizens opposition. 

Nicole Hopkins

248 993 0522

avatar of the starter
Nicole Hopkins (Carone)Petition StarterHello! I am a wife, mother, nurse AND Allen Park MI resident for over 20 years.

1,583

Recent signers:
Maryellen Howle and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

As Allen Park residents we are deeply concerned about the plans to establish a Solstice-Edge AI data center in our city. This data center, while promising technological advancements, pose several significant threats to our community's resources and environment. Not to mention negative effects on the health of citizens. Firstly, the data centers require a continuous high load of electricity, which could strain our local power grids and potentially increase the energy costs for all residents. This high energy consumption also contributes to a larger carbon footprint, contradicting efforts to make our city more environmentally sustainable.

The establishment of AI data centers will also demand large plots of land, anywhere from 10 to over 100 acres, which will lead to a reduction in available green spaces in our community. This not only affects our local wildlife but also reduces the recreational areas available to residents.

Moreover, to support these data facilities, significant investments in fiber and network infrastructure, fuel for backup power systems, and skilled labor will be necessary. There's also the concern of these companies expecting local tax incentives, which could diminish public funds that are needed for essential services within our community.

Finally, the cumulative environmental impact, including increased traffic and pollution, could surpass our city's capacity to handle such changes, leading to long-term adverse effects.

I believe that the resources and public services of Allen Park should primarily serve the residents and not be funneled into large corporate interests that may not contribute positively to our local community.

Please join me in urging the city council to decline the proposal for establishing AI data centers in Allen Park, MI. Your support is crucial for preserving our community's resources and ensuring a sustainable future. Sign this petition to protect our city, its environment and the health of its citizens. All those over the age of 13 years old can sign.

This is an effort to oppose the AI data center build in Allen Park, to further discuss requests of citizens if the project proposal is accepted, and to schedule a town hall meeting for residents. We are requesting an immediate response to the citizens opposition. 

Nicole Hopkins

248 993 0522

avatar of the starter
Nicole Hopkins (Carone)Petition StarterHello! I am a wife, mother, nurse AND Allen Park MI resident for over 20 years.

The Decision Makers

Allen Park City Council
5 Members
2 Responded
Matthew Valerius
Allen Park City Council
I appreciate the messages and apologize for not responding sooner. I am aware of both petitions - the non-Allen Park citizen and the Allen Park citizen petitions. I do not deny the importance of this issue. As a 27-year resident of Allen Park whose home is in the immediate proximity of the proposed data center, I am very concerned. The proposed location is in the C6C Regional Business-Mixed Use district. The current Allen Park Ordinance #04-2014 Section 52-484 Permitted Uses, states the following: The following uses are permitted in the C6C Southfield Road Mixed Use Development District: Subsection 1: All permitted uses allowed in the RD, Research and Development Districts. Referencing the RD, Research and Development District Ordinance Section 52-506 Permitted Uses: Subsection 2 states: Data processing and computer centers, including incidental service and maintenance of electronic data processing equipment. As it is written in the Ordinance and a proposal that meets those requirements has already been submitted, a change to the ordinance at this time would likely result in legal action against the city. In addition, a request for a moratorium on data center development at this time would likely result in legal action against the city as well. All this information is publicly accessible via the Allen Park City Ordinance Municode site. I believe in transparency and am providing the information as others may not know where to look for existing ordinance language associated with this proposed development. As always, I am always available and willing to try my best to answer any and all questions from the Allen Park residents I represent.
Gary Schlack
Allen Park City Council
I have seen the proposal. I have made my comments publicly known about how I feel about the proposed data center. Additionally, it's important to note that, currently, there is no action that I am aware of that the Council can take. It is in the hands of the Planning Commission. Gary Schlack City Councilman City of Allen Park
Gerald Barr
Allen Park City Council
Gail McLeod
Allen Park City Mayor
Ed Wurtzbacher
Ed Wurtzbacher
Allen Park City Council

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates