University of Michigan Faces Backlash Over Proposed Research Center
The University of Michigan’s attempt to engage with Ypsilanti Township residents regarding its proposed research center, in partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory, faced strong opposition during a recent town hall meeting. The event, intended as a platform for discussion, was marked by tension and hostility.
During the meeting, university officials, accompanied by a representative from DTE Energy, faced a barrage of criticism and accusations from the local community. The residents expressed concerns that the so-called “advanced research center” was essentially a data center under a different guise.
Steven Ceccio, a U of M Professor of Engineering and the project lead, sought to clarify the university’s intentions amidst frequent interruptions. He detailed the rationale for selecting the industrial site near a local Ford plant and emphasized that the facility would be significantly smaller than the Saline Township data center. Ceccio highlighted the research center’s potential to advance clean energy and cancer treatment technologies and mentioned efforts to devise a cooling system that would not extract water from the Huron River.
However, residents remained unconvinced and sought answers to specific questions, including the potential noise impact of the facility—details that the panelists could not yet provide. Concerns were also raised about the potential disruption to Native American remains at the site, the university’s reputation, and the adverse effects on property values, environmental quality, and the overall quality of life in the area.
Amid accusations of deceit, Karen Lovejoy-Roe, an Ypsilanti Township Board member, claimed the university had initially misled her and other officials about the project. She criticized the university for its perceived disregard for the local working-class community, stating, “We don’t want it here. We don’t need it here. Our children, our grandchildren, we’ve been hurt enough.”
Shalina Nicohl Rankin, a township resident, questioned the panel’s authority to halt the project. In response, she learned that only the U of M Regents possessed that power. Rankin challenged the university’s collaboration with Los Alamos, expressing fears of becoming part of a “techno surveillance state” and demanded the presence of the regents at the next meeting.
The meeting was extended by an hour to accommodate further questions and comments from the community. The University of Michigan has announced plans for a follow-up town hall on October 1.
Editor’s note: The University of Michigan holds Michigan Public’s broadcast license.
