Protect Mason.
Write stronger rules.
Mason residents are circulating the Noise Petition — attorney-approved language to put a stronger noise and vibration ordinance on the November 2026 ballot. Sign it when collectors come to your neighborhood.
The Noise Petition
Signatures being collected now to put a stronger noise and vibration ordinance on the November 2026 ballot.
Upcoming Signature Events
Bring photo ID. City of Mason registered voters only.
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Today · Fri May 15
1:00 – 7:00 p.m. · door-to-door in the Raynor Ponds neighborhood
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Sat May 16
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. · drive-up signing at The Outpost
More events will be posted here as they’re confirmed. Can’t make either of these? Contact us and we’ll arrange a visit to your home.
Mason currently relies on subjective nuisance language to regulate noise. This community-drafted ordinance amends City Code Chapter 22, Sections 22-31 and 22-32 to add measurable sound and vibration limits — the kind of standards needed to evaluate hyperscale data center cooling systems before they’re built. We’re collecting signatures from registered City of Mason voters now.
Our Mission
Protecting Mason's future through civic action and accountability.
Pass the Noise Ordinance
The Noise Petition amends Chapter 22 to add objective, measurable property-line sound and vibration limits. The petition language is attorney-approved and signatures are being collected now to put it on the November 2026 ballot.
Sign the PetitionFollow 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 MoreWhere Things Stand
Residents gathered enough signatures on the referendum petition to put Ordinance 266 on the ballot. Before the election could happen, City Council decided on their own to rescind the ordinance — so Ordinance 266 is gone, but the referendum vote never took place.
The work in front of us now is the Noise Petition — attorney-approved language to put a stronger noise and vibration ordinance on the November 2026 ballot. Signatures are being collected from City of Mason voters right now.
Sign the Noise PetitionWhat You Can Do Right Now
Stay registered, attend meetings, support the noise petition, and help fund the legal and technical review needed for stronger protections.
What's Happening
Mason residents are circulating the Noise Petition — an attorney-approved noise and vibration ordinance amending Chapter 22 to add measurable property-line sound and vibration standards. Signatures are being collected now to put it on the November 2026 ballot.
The earlier fight is settled: City Council adopted Ordinance 266 on February 2, 2026; residents gathered enough signatures on a referendum petition to put it on the ballot; before that vote could happen, City Council chose on their own to rescind Ordinance 266. So Ordinance 266 is gone — but Mason still has no enforceable noise and vibration standards for hyperscale data center development. That’s what the Noise Petition addresses.
These aren't ordinary data centers. Hyperscale campuses are industrial-scale facilities built in phases — large parcels, high lot coverage, tall buildings, major utility infrastructure, and 24/7 mechanical cooling to keep servers running. The noise and vibration impacts don't stop at the property line, which is why Mason needs measurable, enforceable standards before any future proposal advances.
The Noise Petition is active. Signatures are being collected from City of Mason voters to put a stronger noise and vibration ordinance on the November 2026 ballot.
Sign the PetitionHow We Got Here
- Late 2025 City officials quietly drafted the M-3 ordinance.
- Feb 2, 2026 City Council passed Ordinance 266.
- Feb 16, 2026 Referendum petition succeeded — residents gathered more than the required signatures.
- March 2026 City Council rescinded Ordinance 266 themselves before the referendum vote could happen.
- April 2026 Noise petition filed with attorney-approved language.
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.
Sales & Use Tax Exemption
Under Michigan Public Act 207 of 2024, enterprise data centers are exempt from sales and use taxes on equipment and construction materials — reducing state and local revenue that would otherwise help fund schools and services.
What Residents Are Asking
These are the questions we hear most — and they’re exactly what the Noise Petition is designed to address.
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?
Under MI Public Act 207 of 2024, enterprise data centers are exempt from sales and use taxes on equipment and construction materials — reducing state revenue, including the share that helps fund Michigan schools and other services.
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.
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 of community concern for 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.
Employment does not scale with development. The 30-job minimum applies to any qualifying facility, no matter how large. A 100-acre, $1 billion data center is required to create the same minimum employment as a much smaller one — so a bigger industrial footprint does not mean proportionally more local jobs.
The Real Cost to Our Community
State Revenue Loss
The sales and use tax exemption reduces state revenue — including the share that feeds Michigan’s School Aid Fund. Local school operating millages (property taxes) are not affected by this exemption, but state-level support for Michigan schools and other services is.
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.
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.
Proposed Legislation: House Bill 4526
Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy) introduced House Bill 4526 in the 2025 session to strengthen property owner protections in transmission-line eminent-domain cases:
- Eliminates automatic deference to MPSC route determinations in court
- Requires transmission companies to prove by clear and convincing evidence that 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”
Status: referred to the House Energy Committee; as of public reporting, no hearing has been scheduled. 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.
Sign the Noise Petition
The petition language is attorney-approved and we need 800–1,000 signatures from City of Mason voters to put a stronger noise and vibration ordinance on the November 2026 ballot.
Upcoming Public Meetings
Attend Planning Commission and City Council meetings — especially when data centers, utilities, noise standards, or development agreements are on the agenda. Meetings are at Mason City Hall, 201 W. Ash Street, and are typically live-streamed on the City’s YouTube channel.
City Council
First and third Mondays at 6:30 p.m.
City Council controls ordinances, utility agreements, and final policy direction. Upcoming meetings: May 18, June 1, June 15, July 6, July 20, Aug 5 (Wed), Aug 17, 2026.
🏢 Mason City Hall · Agendas & videosPlanning Commission
Second Tuesday after the first Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Planning Commission is where special use permits, site plans, and land-use standards are reviewed. Confirm each month’s exact date on the City calendar before attending.
🏢 Mason City Hall (Sycamore Room) · Planning Commission pageHow 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 at council meetings
- Advocate for community protections, special use review, and measurable standards
- Bring neighbors; numbers matter
Other Ways to Help
Contact Officials
Email or call the Mayor and City Council members. Ask them to support the noise petition, require special-use review for data centers, and adopt enforceable standards.
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 PulseDonate
Help fund attorney review, signature-drive logistics, and outreach materials. Every dollar supports the noise petition.
Contribute →Register to Vote
Make sure you're registered and ready to vote in local elections. Your vote shapes Mason's future.
Check registration →Residents organized and gathered the signatures to put Ordinance 266 on the ballot; City Council then chose on their own to rescind it. Now we’re collecting signatures on the Noise Petition — an attorney-approved noise and vibration ordinance for the November 2026 ballot. Help fund the signature drive, attorney review, and technical work.
Legal Documents & Resources
Transparency matters. Access the official documents, filings, and research related to Mason's zoning decisions.
Zoning Ordinances
Official M-3 zoning ordinance documents and related city ordinances.
Meeting Minutes & Agendas
Records from City Council and Planning Commission meetings — available on the City’s official archive.
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.
Fundraising Progress
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Choose an amount to support our grassroots campaign against industrial data center development in Mason.
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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
- Your support for special use review and objective noise/vibration standards
- Ask them to listen to the community before revisiting M-3 zoning
🏢 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.