HOWELL, MI — A local group opposed to a proposed $1 billion “hyperscale” data center reportedly backed by Facebook and Instagram owner Meta hosted a panel discussion days ahead of a pivotal Howell Township meeting.

The grassroots group’s main goal is “to stop the rezoning” of about 1,077 acres of mostly farmland on both sides of Grand River Avenue in the township, Breanne Greene, an organizer with Livingston County Residents for Responsible Development (LCRRD), said.

Around 150 people gathered in the auditorium of Howell High School Wednesday evening, Dec. 3, to hear four panelists speak about potential risks and other topics related to large-scale data centers to power artificial intelligence and other computing technologies.

The panel discussion was held in advance of a Howell Towns

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