⬇️ UPDATE 12/12/2025
Because of our coverage on New Media Detroit (which is Transforming Detroits Media Landscape) of this when the legacy media refused to cover it, there was a standing room only crowd to voice their concerns on the proposed rezoning.
Because of this, the township did not make a decision on the request and will meet in January to discuss the matter further.
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⬇️ ORIGINAL 12/10/2025
Washington Township may soon be home to one of the largest technology driven developments in Macomb County history, a 312 acre technical campus and data center proposed for the south side of 32 Mile Road, between M-53 and Powell Road. A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for December 11 at 6:30 PM at Township Hall located at 57900 Van Dyke Avenue.
The applicant, Prologis, filed for a conditional rezoning in November 2025. They are asking the township to shift the land from agricultural and general industrial zoning into the IRT, Industrial-Research-Technology, classification. The intent is to support high-tech infrastructure including data centers and industrial technology operations.
A Site With Industrial History, and Future Potential
Township filings confirm the land has long been tied to industrial scale usage and sits near large scale industrial and commercial operations, including an old and now closed Ford Motor Company plant, the M-53 freeway, and multiple other major industrial users to the west and south. Prologis argues the updated zoning better reflects the township’s long term land-use plan and the growing demand for technology based facilities.
Nearby parcels include abandoned golf course land, wooded property, and farmland, with natural geographic buffers reducing the development impact on neighboring residential areas. The location along major transportation routes is presented as a strong fit for large-infrastructure technology development.
Why This Is Happening Now
Washington Township’s Master Plan highlights a desire to create a stronger industrial-tech corridor anchored around M-53. The township has recently designated additional IRT zoning along the same corridor to attract technology oriented business growth and job creation.
Prologis says the development allows Washington Township to become an early beneficiary of the expanding data and advanced manufacturing economy, and positions the area as a competitive hub for regional tech infrastructure.
Public Will Have Its Say December 11
Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions and voice support or concerns related to:
• Traffic impacts on 32 Mile and Van Dyke
• Utility availability and infrastructure upgrades
• Environmental considerations and storm water capacity
• Whether high-tech industrial fits with township character
• Potential effects on nearby property values and housing growth
Written comments may also be submitted in advance by email to the township planning department.
Land Value Questions Remain
There are not yet any sale-per-acre figures included in the rezoning request, and any pricing discussions appear to be independent of the zoning process at this time. Conditional rezoning does not dictate or guarantee land sale terms. Actual price negotiations would occur only if and after the zoning approval is granted.
That said, tech infrastructure projects routinely elevate per-acre valuations far above agricultural pricing, meaning property owners could see significant profit potential if approved.
What’s Next
This decision will likely shape the future of northern Macomb County’s development corridor for decades, and represents a major pivot toward a more technology focused economy. Approving the IRT conversion would open the door to a multi-building campus, major infrastructure investment, and new employment opportunities, while also increasing traffic volume and land-use density for nearby residents.
The Planning Commission is expected to review public comments and forward its recommendation to the Township Board following the December 11 hearing.
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Key Dates & Proposed Project Overview
Project Proposal and Location
• The Applicant: Prologis submitted an application in November 2025 for a conditional rezoning.
• Proposed Use: The application is for the development of a technical campus and data center.
• Location: The proposed site is comprised of four parcels totaling approximately 312.2 acres on the south side of 32 Mile Road, between M-53 and Powell Road (see attached image below).
Upcoming Planning Commission Public Hearing
• Date & Time: December 11, 2025, at 6:30 PM
• Location: Township Hall, 57900 Van Dyke Avenue
• Purpose: To allow the public to review and respond to the applicant’s proposed conditional rezoning request.
• Public Comment Process: Prior to the meeting, members of the public may submit comments by email to planning@washingtontwpmi.org. During the hearing, there will be opportunity for the public to comment on the application.
Location of proposed 32 Mile Road Technical Campus (submitted by applicant).
For questions, please contact the Washington Township Planning Department at:
Phone: (586) 677-4222
Email: planning@washingtontwpmi.org
Address: 57900 Van Dyke Avenue, Washington Township, MI
Any public comments submitted to the Township staff regarding the conditional rezoning application will be included in the public comments and record for the Planning Commission meeting scheduled for December 11, 2025.
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