LANSING, Mich. — The Lansing City Council has approved a six-month moratorium on new data center development, giving city leaders time to establish regulations for the rapidly growing industry.
The measure passed Monday night by a 7-1 vote. City Council Vice President Trini Pehlivanoglu supported the moratorium, saying the city needs clear rules before considering future proposals.
"I think it makes sense to take time and craft some regulation for data centers, to have a specific definition of data centers," Pehlivanoglu said. "I prefer to not build the plane while I'm flying it."
Council Member Jeremy Garza cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing that delaying projects could discourage economic development.
"I feel like it sends the wrong message to bring development into Lansing," Garza said. "There's plenty of manufacturing facilities and companies that come to Lansing or other communities that have noise issues and water use. Golf courses use more water than data centers, and I don't hear anybody screaming about golf courses."
Holmes-Pleasant Grove Development Launches
While city leaders debated future development, Lansing is moving forward with another major project.
The Holmes-Pleasant Grove mixed-use and housing development officially launches Tuesday at the site of the former Pleasant Grove School. A community celebration is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. to mark the beginning of the redevelopment effort.
Extreme Heat Prompts Cooling Centers
The City of Lansing has activated its Code Red Extreme Heat Plan and opened several cooling centers for residents through the remainder of the week. Other municipalities across the region are also making cooling centers available as temperatures climb into the 90s, with some areas expected to approach 100 degrees.
Officials encourage residents, particularly older adults and those without air conditioning, to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and take advantage of available cooling centers.
Cyclospora Cases Continue to Rise
State health officials are monitoring a growing foodborne illness outbreak.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports more than 1,000 new Cyclospora cases since last Friday, bringing the statewide total to 2,640 cases.
Investigators believe lettuce or other salad greens may be the source of the outbreak, though officials say additional food items have not been ruled out as the investigation continues.
Michigan Joins Lawsuit Over Mental Health Funding
Michigan has joined a coalition of more than a dozen states suing the U.S. Department of Education after approximately $6 million in school-based mental health grants were eliminated.
The lawsuit argues the funding is essential for helping schools address students' mental health needs. Congress established the grant program following a series of school shootings to help schools hire approximately 1,400 mental health professionals nationwide.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel criticized the funding cuts, saying the decision puts children's well-being at risk.
Flags Lowered Across Michigan
Flags remain at half-staff across Michigan this week in honor of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who died over the weekend. Flags are scheduled to return to full staff Saturday evening.
The state is also honoring firefighter Emily Barker of Clinton Township, who died last month in the line of duty while responding to wildfires in Colorado.
