In Saline Township, near Ann Arbor, officials are facing backlash after settling a lawsuit that permits a 2.2-million-square-foot data center for OpenAI and Oracle, despite community opposition. Residents expressed anger at the Township Board for not fighting the suit filed by Related Digital and property owners after the board denied rezoning farmland. Legal risks were significant; failure to settle could have led to millions in damages for the cash-strapped township, with projected revenues under $800,000 against expenses over $1 million. The lawsuit claimed the township’s rejection violated zoning laws, risking the sale of the land to other developers. Ultimately, the settlement includes $14 million for the township and local fire departments, aiming to mitigate financial consequences while addressing development restrictions. While some board members argue the decision preserves local control and financial stability, dissent remains strong among residents, highlighting the challenges of balancing community interests with economic realities.
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