In Saline Township, MI, local officials are facing significant backlash after deciding to settle a lawsuit that clears the way for a 2.2-million-square-foot hyperscale data center to be developed by OpenAI and Oracle. Residents expressed anger over the settlement, arguing it undermined the board’s initial 4-1 vote against rezoning farmland. Despite opposition, township officials, including attorney Fred Lucas, stated that pursuing the lawsuit would have risked substantial financial penalties—possibly over $25 million—and wouldn’t necessarily prevent the data center’s development. The settlement includes a $14 million contribution from Related Digital to the township and local fire departments. Town officials believe avoiding a costly court battle was in the community’s best interest, despite heated public comments demanding accountability. The township is navigating a budget deficit, with projected expenses exceeding revenues, adding weight to the decision to settle rather than face financial ruin.
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