Allen Park Neighbors Revolt Over Solstice Data Center Plan

Residents raise concerns over power, air quality, and noise from proposed 26 MW edge data center

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Solstice Data is facing pushback from Allen Park residents over plans for a proposed 26 MW edge data center in the area. The planning commission initially postponed a vote to allow for additional studies after dozens of residents raised concerns at a packed January meeting about potential impacts on air quality, nearby wetlands, and household electric bills. Solstice met with neighbors over the weekend to address questions, but opposition remains strong, with protesters rallying outside city hall and a petition against the project garnering over 1,500 signatures.

Why it matters

The debate over the Solstice data center highlights the tensions that can arise as communities grapple with the growth of the tech industry and the need to balance economic development with environmental and community concerns. Michigan has been actively courting data center investments, but this case shows that local residents are pushing back on projects they feel could negatively impact their neighborhoods.

The details

Solstice Data is proposing a roughly 26 MW edge data center on Enterprise Drive, just south of I-94 in Allen Park. The facility would be around 45,000 to 53,000 square feet and focused on serving industrial customers and low-latency applications. Solstice says the project would create about two dozen permanent jobs plus temporary construction work. However, residents have raised concerns about the project's potential impact on air quality, nearby wetlands, and household electric bills, citing details in the site plan like 12 backup generators and 12 above-ground fuel tanks. The planning commission postponed a vote to allow for additional studies, and Solstice held a meeting with neighbors to address their questions, but opposition remains strong.

  • The Allen Park Planning Commission initially postponed a vote on the project in January 2026 to allow for additional studies.
  • Solstice Data met with Allen Park residents over the weekend of February 15, 2026 to address their concerns about the proposed data center.

The players

Solstice Data

The company proposing to build a 26 MW edge data center in Allen Park, Michigan.

Allen Park residents

Local community members who have voiced strong opposition to the Solstice data center project, citing concerns over its potential impact on the environment and their community.

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What they’re saying

“We must make sure everyone has the facts about the proposal.”

— Solstice Data representatives (CBS Detroit)

“The project could worsen local air quality, threaten nearby wetlands and, despite a state law intended to limit rate impacts, indirectly affect household electric bills.”

— Allen Park residents (WXYZ)

What’s next

The Allen Park Planning Commission will revisit the Solstice data center site plan after receiving the additional studies requested, including a sound study and a fire department evaluation. The commission's decision on whether to clear the project for the next step in the permitting process will be closely watched by both Solstice and the local community.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges that communities face in balancing economic development and environmental concerns as the tech industry continues to expand. While Michigan has sought to attract data center investments, the pushback from Allen Park residents shows that local communities want a voice in shaping the growth of this industry and ensuring it aligns with their values and priorities.