Summary
The city would sell Lot 49 and conditionally rezone 220 S. Larch for a $120 million, 24-megawatt data center. Unions back the construction jobs; residents oppose it over noise, water, utility rates, environmental risk, and whether it fits downtown plans. Public hearing is February 9.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 6, 2026.
Impact analysis
Deep Green would pay $1.4 million for the property, cover all fuel-cell infrastructure costs up front, and BWL projects about $1.1 million in annual fuel savings that flow back to hot-water customers.
Construction trades workers, BWL hot-water customers, and the city's general fund through higher tax and revenue returns.
Opponents say nearby Eastside and Cherryhill residents bear noise, water, and environmental risk, and that walkable downtown land is lost to a low-job-count industrial use.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Committee of the Whole - Apr 6, 2026
The city's proposed sale of Lot 49 on South Cedar Street to Deep Green and the related rezoning are off after the company pulled out. Residents who opposed the deal showed up to celebrate and to push for community-led planning for the property.
City Council - Mar 23, 2026
The council heard hours of testimony on selling a city parking lot to Deep Green for a fuel-cell-powered data center. Supporters cite ~$1M/year in revenue, union jobs, and tax base; opponents cite emissions, noise, water, and lack of a binding community benefits agreement. No vote was taken; the sale goes to Committee of the Whole with a hearing April 6.
Committee of the Whole - Mar 9, 2026
The city is moving toward selling two downtown parking lots for $1.4 million to Deep Green, with new noise-ordinance and job-penalty terms added. A council member wants fresh market comps before the vote.
Committee of the Whole - Jan 26, 2026
The city would sell Lot 49 and conditionally rezone 220 S. Larch for a $120 million, 24-megawatt data center. Unions back the construction jobs; residents oppose it over noise, water, utility rates, environmental risk, and whether it fits downtown plans. Public hearing is February 9.
Related development
Deep Green Data Center – Lot 49 land sale (Act-7-2025)
Would replace an underused parking lot with a $120 million facility, about 15 permanent jobs, and 25% natural gas reduction for BWL's hot water system — but opponents call it a dead zone near walkable downtown land.
Z-3-2026, 220 S. Larch St. Conditional Rezoning
Approval flips a downtown-core parcel to industrial use; opponents warn it caps downtown growth and undermines the Design Lansing plan.
Sale of City Property Lot 49, 200 block S. Cedar Street (ACT-7-2025)
Would convert long-time public parking lots into a private development site downtown.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for Lansing
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.