The University of Michigan Board of Regents has approved the acquisition of over 124 acres in Ypsilanti Township for up to $8.1 million to construct two AI supercomputing facilities.

These facilities will be developed in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory, with a focus on advancing artificial intelligence technology.

Mosharaf Chowdhury, a professor at the university, is actively researching methods to reduce the energy consumption of AI while maintaining high performance, highlighting the ongoing innovations in this field.

Local resident Monica Ross-Williams views the development as a potential opportunity to create jobs in the township and is advocating for a community benefits agreement to ensure local engagement.

Conversely, resident Priscilla Creswell has expressed opposition to the project, citing concerns over its potential negative impacts on the community, including noise and visual pollution that could affect property values.

Creswell has also researched the effects of AI facilities in other regions, fearing that they attract specialists who do not contribute to the local economy.

In response to the proposed development, local residents are organizing a rally scheduled for noon on Saturday at Hydro Park to voice their opposition.