Van Buren Township, Michigan, February 5, 2026
Residents of Van Buren Township have organized protests against ‘Project Cannoli,’ a proposed data center that would require massive water and electricity resources. Citizens are expressing worries over the project’s impact on local utilities, with a petition gathering over 1,300 signatures. The demonstration will take place at the township hall, urging community engagement in crucial decisions affecting local resources. The developers plan to present their proposal in February, highlighting possible future challenges regarding environmental sustainability and community welfare.
Van Buren Township Protests Against ‘Project Cannoli’ Data Center
Residents voice concerns over water usage and energy demands
Van Buren Township residents have organized a protest against the proposed ‘Project Cannoli,’ a data center development that could consume up to 3.6 million gallons of water daily and require approximately 1 gigawatt of electricity, equivalent to the power needed for around 800,000 homes. The demonstration is set to take place at 5 p.m. at Van Buren Township Hall, located at 46425 Tyler Road.
The community’s concerns are centered around the substantial water usage of the project as well as its potential impact on local utilities, including concerns about higher water bills and the risk of power outages. A petition opposing the data center has gained momentum, gathering over 1,300 signatures and reflecting widespread apprehension among local residents.
Project Overview
Panattoni Development Co., the developer behind ‘Project Cannoli,’ plans to present the proposal to the township planning commission in February. The proposed facility would employ an open-loop cooling system, drawing between 2 and 3.6 million gallons of water daily from the Great Lakes Water Authority, which supplies water to the township. The developers have acknowledged that the project would require a significant amount of electricity, specifically around 1 gigawatt, to operate effectively, which is similar to the energy consumption of 800,000 homes.
Community Response
The potential repercussions of significant water withdrawal and the strain on local power resources have ignited protests among residents. In their efforts to halt the project, community members urge all concerned to attend the upcoming planning commission meeting, stressing the importance of local voices in decisions that could shape the township’s future.
Context of Data Center Developments in Michigan
The controversy surrounding ‘Project Cannoli’ is not isolated. Michigan has experienced a surge in data center proposals, which often evoke environmental and community-related concerns. For example, a $10 billion data center project in Saline Township, which is part of a broader initiative by OpenAI and Oracle to bolster AI infrastructure, faced financing challenges in December 2025. This project is anticipated to be the largest one-time investment in Michigan’s history, with plans to create over 2,500 union construction jobs and over 450 permanent roles.
Similarly, the University of Michigan’s $1.2 billion data center project in Ypsilanti Township has encountered resident pushback due to concerns over its possible negative impacts on local water resources and electricity rates. These instances highlight the ongoing debate in Michigan about balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Key Takeaways
The ongoing situation in Van Buren Township reflects a growing concern about how large-scale developments, specifically data centers, impact local resources and communities. With local residents actively voicing their concerns, it is evident that community engagement plays an essential role in shaping economic initiatives. As more data centers emerge across Michigan, discussions about their environmental and economic implications will remain critical.
Call to Action
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to engage in community discussions regarding proposed developments such as ‘Project Cannoli.’ Active participation in local meetings and awareness of these issues will contribute to a balanced approach towards economic growth that also preserves the interests of local communities.
FAQ
What is ‘Project Cannoli’?
‘Project Cannoli’ is a proposed data center development in Van Buren Township, Michigan, which could consume up to 3.6 million gallons of water daily and require approximately 1 gigawatt of electricity, equivalent to the power needed for around 800,000 homes.
When and where is the protest against ‘Project Cannoli’ scheduled?
The protest is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Van Buren Township Hall, 46425 Tyler Road, Van Buren Township, MI 48111.
What are the community’s main concerns regarding the data center?
Residents are concerned about the project’s substantial water usage, potential impact on local utilities, higher bills, and power outages. A petition opposing the data center has garnered over 1,300 signatures, highlighting widespread community apprehension.
What is the status of the Saline Township data center project?
The $10 billion data center project in Saline Township faced financing challenges in December 2025, with reports indicating stalled funding talks. However, developers disputed these reports, affirming the project’s progress. The Saline Township project is part of a broader initiative by OpenAI and Oracle to expand AI infrastructure, with construction expected to begin in early 2026. This development is considered the largest one-time investment in Michigan’s history, with plans to create over 2,500 union construction jobs and more than 450 permanent on-site positions.
What are the concerns regarding the University of Michigan’s data center project in Ypsilanti Township?
Residents have expressed concerns about the project’s potential to harm the Huron River and increase utility costs. They are apprehensive about the impact on local water resources and electricity rates, leading to pushback against the development.
Key Features of the Proposed Data Center Projects in Michigan
| Project | Location | Developer | Estimated Cost | Construction Start | Community Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ‘Project Cannoli’ | Van Buren Township | Panattoni Development Co. | Not specified | February 2026 | Water usage, impact on local utilities, higher bills, power outages |
| Saline Township Data Center | Saline Township | OpenAI, Oracle, Related Digital | $10 billion | Early 2026 | Financing challenges, environmental impact |
| University of Michigan Data Center | Ypsilanti Township | University of Michigan, Los Alamos National Laboratory | $1.2 billion | 2026 | Impact on Huron River, increased utility costs |
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