Though not on the agenda, questions and concerns about a Microsoft data center coming to Dorr took up a lot of time at the Dorr Township Planning Commission meeting Tuesday night.
Chairman Dan Beute said the commission only knows that Microsoft purchased land north of 144th Avenue and east of 14th street for a possible data center. Local officials do not know anything about what Microsoft will propose until a site plan is submitted
Beute went on to explain that the commission is bound by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, which spells out what actions a planning commission can take. The commission must follow the guidelines, and not just do a popularity vote.
Jason Derry from professional code Inspections (PCI) explained to residents that a data center would fall under the warehousing designation of zoning ordinances. As a warehouse, it would be permitted by right in an industrial zone. The land that Microsoft owns has been zoned for industrial use.
Derry said the Planning Commission would do a site plan review, but the state does not require a public hearing on the matter. It was quickly pointed out that the commission includes a time for public comment on the agenda for the meetings. The public would be allowed to express comments and concerns at that time.
Most concerns brought up by residents centered around the use of water by a data center, and its environmental impact. There was also frustration expressed over speculation and conjecture that was occurring about the possible use of the property.
Residents were encouraged to check the township website for any developments on the Microsoft land use. Townbroadcast will report on any developments in this story.
In other news from the planning meeting:
- The commission reviewed the plans for a sand and gravel mine north of 142nd Avenue, between 21st and 22nd streets. It was revealed that the Allegan County Road Commission approved the use of 21st street in transporting the material out for processing and distribution. There was also a noise and dust study added at the last minute before the meeting. Commissioners tabled the site plan review so they could read over the studies. After hearing residents express concerns about use of 21st street, Commissioner Rebecca Snider publicly asked the land owner to reconsider and allow the use of 22nd street.
- LKQ auto parts center was a last minute addition to the agenda. LKQ was recently purchased by Pick-Your-Part, and since the transaction took place, there have been complaints that vehicles have been left in the parking lot after hours. The after hours vehicles in the lot is in violation of the special use permit. The commission voted to have PCI send a warning letter to Pick-Your-Part explaining the rules of the special use permit.
- It was announced that the next planning meeting will be in the new township hall.
