Hundreds of residents gathered in Inkster, Michigan, on Monday night as city officials considered a proposed data centre at a vacant building on Southern Street.
The meeting drew strong opposition to plans by Klever Technology to convert the 40,000-square-foot site, near Inkster Road and Michigan Avenue, into a data centre valued at about $75 million.
The car park was largely empty when reporters arrived at 6pm, but it quickly filled as residents arrived for the council meeting.
Residents raised concerns about the impact of the project on the surrounding community, with many speaking against the proposal during an emotional public session.
The project had previously been recommended by the city’s planning commission, subject to conditions and further technical information. The proposal included round-the-clock operations and an estimated 90 to 100 jobs.
However, no member of Inkster City Council made a motion on Monday night. As a result, the proposed data centre did not receive approval and the project will not proceed in its current form.
