Residents ask Oak Park council to watch a proposed Southfield data center's regional impacts

Several residents used the public comment period to raise concerns about a proposed data center in adjacent Southfield, asking whether Oak Park has examined potential impacts on regional water, electricity and stormwater systems.

Dana Braxton told council she had heard Southfield is considering a large data center near 11 Mile and Inkster (the Old Blue Cross site) and asked whether Oak Park has studied possible effects on local water and electrical supply. Braxton said opponents in Southfield raised concerns about increased water usage, electrical demand and runoff and asked whether Oak Park should coordinate with neighboring residents and officials.

City Manager Eric Tungate acknowledged those potential impacts and said staff needs more technical details to evaluate the local effect, stating, "I mean, I can speak to that just, really, you know, I'm I'm thinking, yes, there will be an effect to what degree. We don't know, of course." Council took the comment as a request for staff to monitor the Southfield proposal and provide information back to Oak Park residents if substantive impacts are identified.

Braxton suggested Oak Park consider coordinated responses with Southfield residents, including petitions or public engagement if study results show impacts to shared utilities; council thanked commenters and said staff would follow up as more information becomes available.