Google wins Van Buren Township approval for Michigan's second 1-GW data center

A 5-1 vote by the Van Buren Township Planning Commission approved the final site plan for Google's 1-gigawatt hyperscale data center, known as Project Cannoli, located near the Detroit Metro Airport. The approval follows a year-long one outlet's review, a 20-year electricity agreement with DTE Energy, and state environmental permits for wetlands. Commissioners highlighted Google's cooperation on noise mitigation, while residents like Ashley Shukait report early construction crews operating from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, causing dust and vibrations that impact children with asthma.

The site will span 150 of the 282 acres with six buildings, parking, a substation and water draws of up to 3.6 million gallons per day from the Great Lakes Water Authority. Google will receive tax exemptions and half-price local taxes, while committing $15.4 million to township infrastructure and guaranteeing at least 51 full-time jobs. The project joins other Michigan proposals, sparking statewide debate and recall efforts against local officials perceived as too friendly to data-center developers.