This petition is specifically for Howell Township residents. If you are not a Howell Township resident, please sign the petition for Livingston County residents residing outside of Howell Township here.

 

Dear Howell Township Board Members,

As concerned residents of Howell Township, We are requesting an ordinance to impose a 6-month moratorium on the review and approval of rezoning applications to allow the Township Board to review and revise township ordinances related to the rezoning of land adjacent to residential zones relative to the future land uses set forth in the master plan, including but not limited to manufacturing, industrial, power plants, research and technology, and specifically data centers (and hyperscale data centers) and their impact on residential home values, public utilities, the general health and welfare of residents, environmental impact, and the preservation of agricultural and green space.

Imposing a moratorium, on a limited temporary basis, is reasonable and necessary to allow the Township Planning Commission and legal counsel time to fully explore, analyze, research and develop proposed zoning amendments and make recommendations to the Howell Township Board regarding potential amendments to the Township's Zoning Ordinance and regulations to allow for orderly and well-planned growth that is consistent with the long-term goals and policies of the Township and its residents.

This request is in accordance with the authority provided in Section 201 of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MZEA), which grants local governments, inclusive of Townships, the authority to “…provide by zoning ordinance for the regulation of land development … to ensure that use of the land is situated in appropriate locations and relationships … and to promote public health, safety and welfare” of residents.

The moratorium request is also in accordance with the purpose and authority outlined in Article 1 Section 1.02 of the Howell Township Zoning Ordinance which establishes “Ordinance for the protection of the public health, safety and other aspects of the general welfare of Howell Township” inclusive of “...proper uses of land and natural resources regulation, and within which zoning districts’ provisions may also be adopted designating the location of, the size of, the land and structural uses that may be permitted without or with special use conditions, the minimum open spaces, sanitary, safety and protective measures that shall be required” to ensure “...the wise and efficient use of public services required to be provided to the residents of Howell Township; to provide for the conservation of the use of energy; the conservation of agricultural, forest and open space lands, wetlands…” and to provide a method for amendments to and public hearings and referenda on local ordinances in accordance with the provisions of Public Act 110 of 2006. 

Following the passage of Senate Bill 237 Enterprise Data Centers by the Michigan Legislature, Michigan is experiencing a surging demand in the development of data center facilities. Howell Township is at the center of this demand with the largest data center proposal in the state of approximately 1,077 acres. Due to a novel and increased demand in Howell Township land for this and other purposes, the current Zoning Ordinance must be reviewed and updated to ensure proper development can occur within the Township and that Howell Township has the necessary regulations, processes, resources, and infrastructure in place to protect the health and welfare of residents as well as ensure the conservation of energy, natural resources, and agricultural lands. This includes but is not limited to:

• Amendment of the Township Zoning Ordinance to include appropriate regulation on development which ensure no discernable impact on adjacent properties or residential areas and that take into account and provide the capacity for future development within the Township.
• Implementation of environmental standards, best practices, and regulatory efforts to minimize adverse impacts on local flora and fauna, endangered species, and neighboring residential, agricultural, and other districts including but not limited to e-waste, particle pollution, water usage, and energy consumption.
• Promotion of development that integrates seamlessly with existing and planned land use of Howell Township and remains compatible with all character areas and fits within the appropriate area as designated in the Howell Township Master Plan.

There is significant legitimate public interest for a temporary preservation of the status quo via a time-limited moratorium of 6-months to allow for thorough analysis and development of zoning amendments to achieve said public interests and further promote the health, safety, and general welfare of Howell Township and its residents.

 Thank you for your time and consideration.