Stop the Data Center.
Protect Mason.
A massive Hyperscale Data Center threatens our farmland, water supply, and way of life. The City Council votes in days. Your voice matters now.
Our Mission
Protecting Mason's future through civic action and accountability.
Demand a Moratorium
We are pushing for a 180-day to one-year moratorium on data center construction in and near the City of Mason to give our community the time it deserves for proper review.
Strengthen the M-3 Ordinance
The proposed M-3 Industrial zoning ordinance is dangerously inadequate. We are working to ensure any ordinance includes real protections for Mason residents and surrounding townships.
Follow the Master Plan
Mason's Master Plan is the blueprint for our city's future land use. All new zoning districts and ordinances must align with it, and our elected officials must be held to that standard.
Learn MoreReferendum: The People Will Decide
We expect the City Council to vote YES on February 2nd to push through their inadequate M-3 Ordinance. If they do, we are prepared to immediately file a Petition of Referendum, putting this ordinance directly on the ballot where Mason voters will decide its fate.
To succeed, we must collect signatures from registered City of Mason voters within 30 days. We need you.
What You Can Do Right Now
After the February 2nd vote, watch this website, your inbox, and local Facebook groups for petition signing details. Every signature counts.
What's Happening
A massive industrial development is being fast-tracked through our local government.
The City of Mason is considering a new M-3 zoning classification specifically designed to allow Heavy Industrial Hyperscale Data Centers to be built in our community.
These aren't ordinary data centers. Hyperscale campuses are industrial-scale facilities built in phases. Mason's proposed M‑3 standards start at 50‑acre parcels (and were drafted around districts up to 300 contiguous acres), allow up to 60% lot coverage, and permit buildings up to 70 feet tall. They also require major utility infrastructure and 24/7 mechanical cooling to keep servers running.
The proposed zoning change would enable these facilities to be built on agricultural land surrounding Mason, fundamentally changing the character of our rural community forever.
How We Got Here
City officials begin quietly drafting M-3 zoning ordinance
Planning Commission reviews ordinance with minimal public notice
City Council Vote - Final decision on M-3 zoning
Data center developers can begin purchasing land and applying for permits
The M-3 Zoning Ordinance
A new industrial classification designed specifically for massive data center developments.
The City of Mason is proposing to create a brand new M3 zoning district that would involve Heavy Industrial use. This isn't a minor update. It's an entirely new zoning district for industrial uses that are far more intensive than anything currently in Mason.
The M-3 zone is specifically tailored to accommodate Hyperscale Data Centers, which are among the most resource-intensive industrial facilities in existence.
Why This Isn't Typical IndustrialCurrent Zoning vs. Proposed M-3
| Category | Current Agricultural/Light Industrial | Proposed M-3 Industrial |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Farming, small manufacturing, warehousing | Hyperscale Data Centers, heavy industry |
| Building Size | Modest structures suited to rural character | 50-acre minimum parcels; up to 60% lot coverage; buildings up to 70 ft |
| Power Demand | Standard commercial/light industrial | 100+ megawatts (equivalent to 80,000 homes) |
| Water Usage | Agricultural irrigation, modest industrial | Millions of gallons daily for cooling |
| Noise Levels | Rural quiet, limited equipment noise | 24/7 industrial cooling systems, generators |
| Traffic Impact | Farm equipment, local business traffic | Heavy construction traffic, truck deliveries, service vehicles |
| Visual Impact | Rural landscape preserved | Industrial complexes, security fencing, cooling towers |
| Tax Revenue | Standard property taxes | Exempt from Sales and Use Taxes under MI data center laws |
Key Concerns About the Ordinance
Rushed Process
The ordinance is being pushed through with minimal public input and limited time for community review.
Learn More →Vague Language
Key terms and restrictions lack clear definitions, giving developers significant flexibility.
Irreversible Change
Once approved, rezoning agricultural land to M-3 permanently changes our community's character.
Tax Exemptions
Michigan law allows data centers to receive massive tax breaks, shifting burden to residents.
Red Flag: City Documents Don't Match
Two official City handouts conflict on when loud equipment testing can start: one says 8:00 a.m., another says 9:00 a.m.. If the City's documents aren't consistent, residents can't know what protections they're actually being asked to approve.
See the side-by-side quotesRead the full ordinance text and related documents:
Why This Matters to You
The impacts of a Hyperscale Data Center extend far beyond the property lines.
Property Values
Industrial facilities near residential areas typically decrease nearby property values by 10-25%. Your home's value could drop significantly.
Water Supply
Data centers require millions of gallons of water daily for cooling. This could strain local aquifers and compete with residential and agricultural needs.
Power Grid
A single hyperscale facility can consume as much electricity as 80,000 homes. This demand could lead to higher rates and grid instability.
Noise Pollution
Industrial cooling systems and backup generators run 24/7, creating constant noise that can be heard for miles in our quiet rural setting.
Farmland Loss
Once agricultural land is converted to industrial use, it's gone forever. We lose the farms, the open spaces, and the rural character that defines Mason.
Tax Burden
Michigan's data center tax exemptions mean these facilities may pay little to no property tax, while requiring significant public infrastructure investments.
What Residents Are Asking
These are the questions and concerns we hear most from our community.
Will this affect our drinking water?
Data centers use millions of gallons daily for cooling. This could deplete aquifers that supply residential wells and municipal water systems.
How loud will it be?
Industrial cooling systems run 24/7 and can produce noise audible from over a mile away. Backup diesel generators add to the constant drone.
What happens to my property value?
Studies show industrial facilities can reduce nearby home values by 10-25%. Homes closest to the facility will likely see the biggest impact.
Will my electric rates go up?
Massive power demands can strain the grid and potentially increase rates for all customers as utilities invest in new infrastructure.
What about traffic and road damage?
Construction requires heavy equipment and materials. Even after completion, service vehicles, fuel deliveries, and worker traffic increase road wear.
What happens to the farmland?
Once converted to industrial use, agricultural land is permanently lost. We can't grow food on concrete. This affects our local food system and rural heritage.
Will this really help our tax base?
Michigan exempts data centers from sales and use taxes on equipment. With only 30 jobs required for a $250 million investment, the economic benefits may not offset the community impacts.
How many local jobs will it create?
Data centers are highly automated. Even very large facilities can operate with a relatively small permanent workforce, and many roles require specialized technical skills.
What about the heat they generate?
Data centers produce enormous amounts of waste heat, creating localized 'micro-climates' in the surrounding area. Their massive energy consumption also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Can we stop this once it starts?
Once the M-3 zoning is approved, it becomes very difficult to reverse. Legal challenges are expensive and rarely successful after the fact.
Were residents properly notified?
Many feel blindsided by this proposal. Public notice requirements were minimal, and community input opportunities have been limited.
What's the environmental impact?
Beyond water and energy use, there are concerns about chemical coolants, electronic waste, and habitat destruction on converted land.
Have a question that's not listed here?
Contact UsProposed Development Areas
Properties under consideration for M-3 rezoning and potential data center development.
The map below shows potential sites for data center development in the Mason area. These locations have not been officially confirmed, but are areas of interest based on available information. Use the research tools below to learn more.
Potential data center sites in the Mason area. Locations are not confirmed.
Research Properties Yourself
You can look up property information, ownership records, and zoning details using these public resources:
BS&A Property Search
Look up parcels by address, owner name, or parcel ID. View tax records, assessed values, and property details.
Mason Master Plan
Review the city's comprehensive plan, future land use maps, and zoning information.
Ingham County GIS Maps
Interactive mapping tool showing parcel boundaries, aerial imagery, and property information.
Know Your Rights
If your property is adjacent to a proposed development site, you have the right to be notified of zoning changes and to speak at public hearings. Document everything and consider consulting with a land use attorney.
Michigan's Data Center Tax Breaks
Big tech gets massive exemptions. Local communities bear the cost.
In January 2025, Governor Whitmer signed Public Act 207, extending and expanding tax exemptions for "enterprise" data centers through 2050, and through 2065 for facilities on brownfield sites.
These exemptions eliminate Michigan's 6% sales and use tax on data center construction and equipment. The result? Corporations like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon can build massive industrial facilities while paying a fraction of what local businesses and homeowners contribute.
What Data Centers Pay vs. What You Pay
🏢 Enterprise Data Center
- ✕ EXEMPT Sales tax on equipment
- ✕ EXEMPT Use tax on construction materials
- ↓ REDUCED Property tax via abatements
- ↓ REDUCED Personal property tax exemptions
A $500M data center could save tens of millions in taxes over the exemption period.
🏠 Mason Homeowner or Business
- ✓ FULL 6% sales tax on purchases
- ✓ FULL Property taxes (school, county, city)
- ✓ FULL Personal property tax (businesses)
- ✓ FULL All local millages and assessments
Your taxes fund schools, roads, emergency services, and infrastructure, including upgrades data centers require.
The Real Cost to Our Community
School Funding
Tax exemptions mean less money for Mason schools. Property tax abatements reduce per-pupil funding while enrollment may increase from construction workers' families.
Emergency Services
Fire, police, and EMS must be ready to respond to industrial emergencies. Who pays for specialized training and equipment? Local taxpayers.
Infrastructure
Roads, water systems, and electrical infrastructure need upgrades to serve data centers. These costs are often borne by municipalities, meaning you.
Electric Rates
In other states hosting data centers, residents have seen electricity bills increase as utilities upgrade infrastructure to meet massive power demands.
The "Jobs" Promise: Let's Do the Math
To qualify for exemptions, data centers must create just 30 jobs. That's 30 jobs for a facility that:
- Covers 100+ acres of land
- Costs $250+ million to build
- Receives decades of tax breaks
- Consumes power equivalent to 80,000 homes
(highly specialized, often imported)
(local, multi-generational)
"Microsoft does not need our tax dollars. Michiganders need that." - Sean McBrearty, Clean Water Action
Learn More About the Legislation
Review the actual legislation and fiscal analysis:
ITC Transmission Lines
New high-voltage powerlines are being planned through our region, and data centers are a major driver.
ITC Holdings Corp. is planning to build approximately 95 miles of new 345-kilovolt transmission lines across Michigan, with an investment of nearly $850 million.
One of these projects, specifically the Oneida-Sabine Lake line, runs through Eaton, Ingham, and Livingston counties, directly in our region. These massive infrastructure projects are designed to support increased power demand, including from energy-hungry data centers.
The Data Center Connection
Hyperscale data centers require enormous amounts of electricity, often 100+ megawatts per facility. The existing power grid simply cannot handle this demand.
That's why new transmission infrastructure is being fast-tracked. While ITC frames these projects as improving "grid reliability," the timing aligns with Michigan's push to attract data center development through tax incentives.
The result? Rural landowners face potential property impacts to support industrial facilities that may pay little in local taxes.
Projects Affecting Our Region
Oneida-Sabine Lake Project
- Length: ~50 miles of new 345 kV lines
- Route: Oneida Township (Eaton Co.) to Sabine Lake (Livingston Co.)
- Counties: Eaton, Ingham, Livingston
- Status: Two preliminary routes proposed; MPSC to select final route
- Timeline: Construction unlikely before 2027
This line passes through northern Eaton County, southwest of Grand Ledge, and continues east through areas near Mason.
Nelson Road-Oneida Project
- Length: ~40 miles of new 345 kV lines
- Route: Oneida Township to New Haven Township
- Status: Part of MISO Long-Range Transmission Plan
Helix-Hiple Project
- Length: ~55 miles from Indiana to Michigan
- Route: Northern Indiana to Calhoun County
- Status: Michigan's first new interstate line in 50 years
Your Property Rights
If a transmission line is proposed near your property, you have rights. Here's what you need to know:
Don't Sign Without Legal Review
Option agreements allow companies to acquire property rights they would otherwise need to obtain through eminent domain. Have an attorney review any documents before signing.
Eminent Domain Protections
Michigan law requires transmission companies to prove their proposed route is "reasonably suitable and necessary." You can challenge this in court.
Just Compensation
You're entitled to fair market value, including impacts on remaining property. A farm bisected by a wide right-of-way suffers damages beyond just the easement area.
Attorney Fee Recovery
Michigan law (MCL 213.66) requires utilities to reimburse reasonable attorney fees if your compensation exceeds their initial offer.
"The current land acquisition efforts are exceptionally slanted in their favor... Just compensation requires you to consider the impacts on the larger property."- Stephon Bagne, Property Rights Attorney
Proposed Legislation: House Bill 4526
Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy) has introduced House Bill 4526 to strengthen property owner protections:
- Eliminates automatic deference to MPSC route determinations in court
- Requires transmission companies to prove their route is the "most reasonable"
- Prioritizes routes on public land, existing rights-of-way, and property boundaries
- Aims to limit interference with private property "as much as possible"
Contact your state representative to express support for stronger property rights protections.
Stay Informed & Get Involved
MiFutureGrid.com
View interactive maps of proposed routes and project details
MI Public Service Commission
File comments and track regulatory proceedings
ITC Michigan
Company project information and community meeting schedules
Community Listening Sessions
ITC Michigan is holding public sessions to gather input on proposed routes. Check MiFutureGrid.com for dates and locations near you.
Take Action Now
Your voice matters. Here's how you can help protect Mason from industrial development.
Pack the Room on February 2nd
The City Council will vote on the M-3 zoning ordinance that would allow massive data centers in Mason. Show up. Speak up. Make your voice heard.
Upcoming Public Meetings
Attend these meetings to stay informed and make your voice heard. All meetings are open to the public.
City Council Meeting
Monday, 7:30 PM
Final vote on M-3 Industrial zoning ordinance. This is our most important opportunity to stop the data center.
🏢 Mason City HallPlanning Commission
Tuesday, 6:30 PM
Regular meeting to discuss land use and planning matters. Good opportunity to voice concerns about future development.
🏢 Mason City HallCity Council Meeting
Monday, 6:30 PM
Regular council session. Follow-up discussions and potential amendments to zoning decisions.
🏢 Mason City HallHow to Speak at a Public Hearing
Never spoken at a city meeting before? Don't worry. Here's what to expect and how to prepare.
Arrive Early
Get there 15-20 minutes before the meeting starts. Sign up for public comment if required. Find a seat near the front.
Prepare Your Statement
Keep it to 2-3 minutes. Focus on how this affects you personally. Stick to facts. Write down key points so you don't forget.
Wait for Public Comment
The agenda will include time for public comment. When called, approach the podium. State your name and address for the record.
Speak Clearly & Respectfully
Address the council, not the audience. Be firm but polite. Personal stories are powerful. Thank them for their time.
💡 Tips for Effective Comments
- Mention specific concerns: water usage, noise, property values, traffic
- Share how long you've lived in Mason and why you chose this community
- Ask questions the council should answer before voting
- Request that the vote be delayed for more community input
- Bring neighbors; numbers matter
Other Ways to Help
Contact Officials
Email or call the Mayor and City Council members. Let them know you oppose M-3 zoning.
Find contact info →Spread the Word
Share this website with neighbors. Post on social media. Talk to friends and family in Mason.
Write a Letter
Submit a letter to the editor of local newspapers. Written opposition creates a public record.
Lansing State Journal, City PulsePlace a Yard Sign
Show your neighborhood where you stand. Visible opposition builds community solidarity.
Request a sign →Donate
Help fund legal review, signage, and outreach materials. Every dollar supports our community.
Contribute →Register to Vote
Make sure you're registered and ready to vote in local elections. Your vote shapes Mason's future.
Check registration →The February 2nd vote will determine Mason's future for generations. Don't let this decision be made without your input.
Legal Documents & Resources
Transparency matters. Access the official documents, filings, and research related to Mason's zoning decisions.
Zoning Ordinances
Official M-3 zoning proposals and related city ordinances.
Meeting Minutes & Agendas
Records from City Council and Planning Commission meetings.
-
City Council Agenda - Feb 2, 2026⌛
-
Planning Commission Minutes - Jan 2026⌛
-
City Council Minutes Archive↗
FOIA Requests & Responses
Freedom of Information Act requests and city responses.
-
FOIA: Data Center Developer Communications⌛
-
FOIA: M-3 Zoning Origin Documents⌛
Legal Correspondence
Letters from attorneys and legal advisors regarding zoning matters.
Research and Educational Sources
Studies, educational explainers, and official reference documents (including the City's own handouts) to help residents verify claims and understand impacts.
🔍 How to File a FOIA Request
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives you the right to access public records. Here's how to request documents from the City of Mason:
- Write your request describing the records you want. Be specific about dates, topics, or document types.
- Submit to the City Clerk by mail, email, or in person at Mason City Hall.
- Pay any fees for copying and labor (the city will provide a cost estimate).
- Receive your documents within 5 business days (extensions possible for large requests).
City of Mason FOIA Coordinator
201 W. Ash Street, Mason, MI 48854
clerk@mason.mi.us
Disclaimer: Documents provided here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For legal questions regarding your specific situation, please consult with a qualified attorney. Some documents may be placeholders pending final versions.
Support Our Community
Your contribution helps protect Mason's future. Every dollar goes directly to our advocacy efforts.
Make a Contribution
Choose an amount to support our grassroots campaign against industrial data center development in Mason.
Secure payment powered by Stripe
Other Ways to Help
This Is a Grassroots Effort
We're not backed by corporate interests or political PACs. We're Mason residents who care about our community's future. Your support, whether $25 or $500, directly powers our ability to fight back against industrial development that threatens our way of life.
Make Your Voice Heard
Local elections shape our community's future. Make sure you're registered and ready to vote.
Check Your Voter Registration
Are you registered to vote in Mason? Verify your status, find your polling location, and view your sample ballot.
Check Registration StatusMichigan allows same-day voter registration at your local clerk's office.
🏢 Why Local Elections Matter
City Council and Planning Commission members make decisions that directly impact your daily life:
- Zoning decisions - like allowing industrial data centers in rural areas
- Property taxes - and who gets exemptions
- Infrastructure - roads, water, utilities
- Community character - what Mason looks and feels like
The people you elect will decide whether Mason stays rural or becomes industrial. Your vote matters.
Get in Touch
Have questions? Want to get involved? Reach out to us or contact your elected officials directly.
Contact Our Organization
Questions about this website, upcoming events, or how to help? We'd love to hear from you.
Email Us💬 Speaking to Officials? Here's What to Mention:
- Your name and address (proves you're a resident)
- How long you've lived in Mason
- Specific concerns: water, noise, property values, taxes
- Request for more community input before any vote
- Ask them to delay the M-3 zoning decision
🏢 Contact Your Elected Officials
Let City Council know how you feel about M-3 zoning. Be respectful but firm.
Mayor & City Council
Mason City Hall, 201 W. Ash Street, Mason, MI 48854
City Staff
City Manager
Deborah Stuart, deborahs@mason.mi.us
Tip: Emails are public record. Send your concerns in writing to create a documented record of community opposition.