HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Apr. 2, 2026) – Sentiment is apparently not in favor of data centers.
That’s a finding from a nationwide poll, released on Monday by Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, that indicated nearly two-thirds of respondents were opposed to the construction of an AI data center in their community, citing electricity costs, water use, and noise. Those concerns overshadowed supporting factors such as job creation, increasing tax revenue, and tech hub potential.
While Microsoft is looking into building a data center near Dorr, on 272 acres along US-131 near 144th Avenue, Holland BPW General Manager Dave Koster admits of similar interest locally.
A month ago, a three-bill package was introduced in the state House that would halt construction of data centers until next April 1st, in order to give local communities the ability to assess its ramifications. However, those bills have been referred to the Committee on Government Operations, where it faces an uncertain future.
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