Microsoft Dorr Data Center, Dorr, Michigan

Microsoft's planned data center in Dorr Township, Allegan County, Michigan, on farmland off 144th Avenue near U.S. 131, is stalled by a 12-month township moratorium on data center development that started February 26, 2026 and runs until February 26, 2027. The board acted after Microsoft paid about $48 million for a 272-acre parcel of farmland across from Walnutdale Family Farms and Frontier Truck Parts in 2024, and after Microsoft and the economic development group Lakeshore Advantage said in December 2025 they had been working with local leaders on a data center there.

More than 75 people cheered when the township board approved the moratorium. Treasurer Sheila Reitz argued the Planning Commission needed more time to draft a zoning ordinance amendment, and her position won out over Supervisor Jeff Miling and Trustee John Tuinstra, who backed the shorter six months the township's attorney had suggested. Resident Nick Barlow told the board, "I just don't want the damn thing to go in... period." Resident Michelle Holcomb said her property tax assessment rose by $3,000 and that she was told it was because of the expected data centers.

Microsoft's proposal calls for developing 128 of the 272 acres, and the company has not submitted a finalized development plan, announced a construction schedule, or disclosed the site's water and electricity needs. Dorr Township has no municipal water or sewer, so homes rely on private wells, and resident Linda Dumond, who leads the group Dorr Township MI, We the People, said, "I'm very concerned that it could affect all of our wells." Supervisor Miling has said the township's master plan designates the parcel commercial and industrial, zoning that would allow a data center, and that a court challenge would likely fail because Microsoft could win approval by right.

Protesters gathered outside Dorr Township Hall as about 110 elected and appointed officials from Allegan, Barry, Kent and other counties attended an invitation-only seminar on data centers, run by the township's contracted planning firm. Dumond said residents asked for the seminar to be opened to the public and were turned down: "We're worried about what gets said behind closed doors."

While the moratorium runs, the Dorr Township Planning Commission is drafting a zoning ordinance amendment for data centers, and the Dorr Township Board will decide on it before the moratorium ends. Miling has said no action can or should be taken until Microsoft submits a formal site plan.