‘The Barn’ asked Saline Township for a $147M tax break, after boosting the data center’s value by 9 times from the original request. The township OK’d a cut — but dialed back the amount.
Paula Gardner
Paula directs the business reporting on Bridge, writing much of it and setting the strategy for how statewide business coverage fits into Bridge’s nonpartisan policy-driven editorial mix. Paula came to Bridge in 2020 after several years at MLive.com, where she covered the state on both business and environmental teams. Prior to that, she was editor of the Ann Arbor News and news director of online startup AnnArbor,com, and also focused on business news as an editor and reporter at Michigan Business Review. Born and raised in metro Detroit, Paula moved to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan, and has lived in the city for 20 years with her husband, who grew up in their neighborhood. Paula also regularly visits East Lansing and Grand Rapids to visit her college-aged children. She can be reached at pgardner@bridgemi.com
Posted inBusiness Watch
As data centers grow in Michigan, officials ask: How many tax breaks are enough?
Local tax abatements were created for manufacturers that create tons of jobs. As Saline Township is set to approve a local break worth $147 million a year, some ask if local breaks are appropriate for data centers.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Swartz Creek rejects second $40M offer to sell school for unfinished megasite
For the second time in several months, the Genesee County school district turns down what one trustee called an ‘insulting’ offer.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Mundy megasite reignites controversy with new, $40M bid for Swartz Creek school
School officials pledge transparency after a $261 million project to assemble land for a factory near Flint Bishop Airport led to resignations, a lawsuit and accusations of secrecy.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Records: Rural Michigan ‘overlooked’ in Michigan’s $6B subsidy spending spree
A Bridge analysis finds that the northeast Lower Peninsula got $71 per person in economic development spending since 2022, compared to $854 in west Michigan. Some question the disparities.
Posted inBusiness Watch, Michigan Government
Bridge Listens: How economic, affordability issues are hitting Michigan
Bridge readers say the economy and affordability are big concerns this election cycle. We break down the facts, the trends and possible solutions.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Gotion sues tiny Michigan township to recoup costs from failed EV battery deal
The firm says Green Charter Township’s decision to rescind support for a controversial project is an ‘egregious abuse of official power.’
Posted inBusiness Watch
Saline data center brings out bigwigs. Big day for Michigan or big betrayal?
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins Sam Altman, tech leaders for a ceremonial groundbreaking of $56 billion data center. The project is ‘big in all ways’ — including controversy.
Posted inBusiness Watch
In Ypsilanti, battle lines draw over data centers and sewage
It’s not just water going into data centers that have foes concerned: It’s water going out. A utility in western Washtenaw wants to pump the brakes on two hyperscale centers until analysts study impact on sewage.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Final home holdouts sell for $261M megasite; demos ramp up even without tenant
It’s curtains for a 90-acre neighborhood, as work accelerates on assembling a 1,300-acre site for a large-scale manufacturer in mid-Michigan. Boosters remain hopeful, but some residents and lawmakers are upset.