Lyon Township Project Flex AI Data Center

In September of 2025, Lyon Township’s board unanimously approved the Site Plan for a 172 acre AI data center by the California-based developer Verrus. Local residents didn’t find out about the project until December. Treasurer Carcone stated this project is “a dream come true” for the community. 

Yet in December, hundreds of local residents have packed township board meetings to express concern, dismay, and outrage over being left in the dark while the board quietly rubber stamped the developer’s site plan. 

The land Verrus intends to develop is owned by municipal consulting firm Walbridge, which has been actively attempting to sell the land for industrial development for decades. A large number of the communities across Michigan who are fighting AI data centers are represented by Walbridge–and Walbridge has been an active advocate for AI data centers in every community they represent. Walbridge’s land is currently zoned general and light industrial, and the developer has stated they see no need to seek zoning changes.

Whether or not Lyon Township’s zoning ordinances and master plan allow for data centers and “data warehousing” activities is yet to be determined. Verrus must submit a noise study and engineering review to gain final approval from the township board of its site plan. 

The Township board is Township is holding an informational meeting on January 22, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at South Lyon East High School.

Local organizers are holding an informational meeting on January 15th at South Lyon East High School.