Project Flex Data Center in Lyon Township

What You Need to Know as of January 2026

This article is intended to provide a clear, factual summary of publicly available information as of January 2026. It does not advocate for or against the Project Flex development. The goal is to share what is known today based on official studies and Township statements.

Quick Summary: What You Need to Know Right Now

• The Project Flex data center is still under review, and no building permits have been issued.

• Independent engineering studies indicate:

  • Projected noise levels of about 44 decibels at nearby homes, which is below Lyon Township limits, including nighttime standards.

  • Water usage is approximately 98% lower than in traditional data centers through a closed-loop reuse system.

• The site plan was approved with conditions by the Planning Commission in September 2025 because the property is already zoned for this use.

• Lyon Township is reviewing the required studies and may use independent experts to verify findings.

• Public questions and feedback are being accepted through February 8, 2026.

• An informational-only public meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2026.

• This article reflects information available as of January 2026.

Why This Article Exists

Large developments often raise understandable questions, especially when proposed near established neighborhoods. Much of the available information comes in the form of technical reports and formal statements that can be difficult to digest.

This article brings together official engineering documents and Lyon Township communications and explains them in plain language so residents, homeowners, and neighbors can understand what is known, what is still being reviewed, and what happens next.

Source: Kimley-Horn Project Flex Noise Study, January 2026

Noise: What the Independent Study Says

A professional engineering firm completed an independent noise study to evaluate expected sound levels during normal operations at the proposed data center.

Key findings explained:

• The projected sound level at the nearest homes is approximately 44 decibels.

• This is comparable to:

  • A quiet refrigerator

  • Light rainfall

  • A calm library or office environment

Source: Kimley-Horn Project Flex Noise Study, January 2026

How this compares to Township standards:

Lyon Township noise limits for residential areas are:

• 60 decibels during daytime hours

• 50 decibels during nighttime hours

The study projects noise levels well below both limits, including at night.

What the study considered:

• Distance from buildings to nearby homes

• Building placement and orientation

• Rooftop parapet and screening walls

• Sound shielding created by the overall site layout

• Existing background noise from nearby roads, commercial areas, and the adjacent airport

Because projected noise levels remain within allowable limits, the study concluded that additional noise mitigation is not required based on the current design.

Source:
Project Flex Data Center Noise Study, Kimley-Horn, January 7, 2026 

2026-01-08_20Noise_20Study.pdf

Source: Kimley-Horn Project Flex Noise Study, January 2026

Water Use: How the Facility Is Designed

Water use is often a major concern when discussing data centers. A separate engineering memorandum explains Project Flex's approach to water use.

How the cooling system works:

• The facility uses a closed-loop cooling system.

• Water is continuously reused, rather than discharged after each cycle.

• This design greatly reduces total water consumption.

Expected water usage:

• Traditional data centers may use up to 200 million gallons of water per year.

• Project Flex is expected to use less than 1.5 million gallons per year.

• This amount is roughly equivalent to the annual water usage of about 14 average U.S. households.

This represents an estimated 98 percent reduction compared to conventional data centers.

During very hot weather:

• A limited misting system may be used to improve efficiency.

• This is expected to occur fewer than 15 days per year.

• Even during these periods, total water use remains limited.

Wastewater and chemical discharge:

• No industrial chemicals are discharged into the sewer system.

• Wastewater primarily comes from:

  • Restrooms

  • Break rooms

• Water softeners discharge small amounts of brackish (salt) water.

• The salt concentration is well below seawater levels and comparable to common household systems.

Source:
Project Flex Water Usage Memorandum, Kimley-Horn, December 19, 2025

2026-01-08 Water Usage Memorandum…

Where the Project Stands Today

Lyon Township issued an official statement outlining the current status of Project Flex and the next steps in the process.

What has already occurred:

• The Planning Commission approved the site plan with conditions in September 2025.

• The property is already zoned for this type of use.

• This approval does not allow construction to begin.

What still needs to happen:

• A sound study and energy audit were required as conditions of approval.

• The sound study was submitted on January 7, 2026, and publicly posted on January 8.

• No building permit can be issued until:

  • Required studies are reviewed

  • Conditions are fully addressed

  • Outstanding concerns are resolved

Additional clarifications from the Township:

• The Township Board did not vote on the site plan approval.

• Township officials or consultants did not sign any non-disclosure agreements.

• The Planning Commission may revisit the site plan approval.

• Independent experts may be used to verify the findings of sound and energy studies.

Source:
Lyon Township Statement Regarding Project Flex, January 8, 2026

2026-01-08 Project Flex Statement…

Public Input and Transparency

Lyon Township has emphasized public involvement throughout the review process.

Residents may submit questions:

• Online via the Township website

• In person at the Township office

• Through the Township drop box

The question submission period runs through February 8, 2026.

• All submitted questions will be forwarded to the developer.

• Responses will be reviewed and made publicly available.

An informational-only public meeting is scheduled for:

• January 22, 2026

• 7:00 PM

• South Lyon East High School

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the data center approved to begin construction?
No. The site plan was approved with conditions, but no building permits have been issued.

Is this land zoned for a data center?
Yes. According to Lyon Township, the property is already zoned for this use.

How loud is the data center expected to be?
The noise study projects approximately 44 decibels at nearby homes, which is below Township limits.

Will it be louder at night?
The projected noise levels remain below the Township's nighttime limits.

Does the data center use a lot of water?
Compared to traditional data centers, it is expected to use significantly less water, approximately 98 percent less.

Are chemicals discharged into the sewer system?
No industrial chemicals are discharged. Wastewater primarily comes from everyday employee use.

Can residents still ask questions?
Yes. Lyon Township is accepting questions through February 8, 2026.

Is the project final?
No. The project remains under review, and next steps will be determined after studies and responses are evaluated.

What This May Mean for Nearby Home Values

At this stage, there is no clear data indicating how Project Flex may impact nearby home values, positively or negatively. The project remains under review, and no building permits have been issued.

In real estate, property values near large developments are typically influenced more by how the project operates over time than by the project itself. Factors that often matter include:

• Actual noise levels once operational

• Traffic patterns and infrastructure changes

• Visual screening and buffering

• Ongoing compliance with local regulations

• Overall economic activity and job creation

Because this project has not yet been built, market impact cannot be measured. Historically, buyers and sellers respond to real-world outcomes rather than proposed plans.

For homeowners, the most practical approach is:

• Stay informed through official updates

• Monitor how the review process unfolds

• Revisit market conditions if and when operations begin

Future impacts, if any, tend to become clearer after a project is operational, not during the planning phase.

Real estate impacts vary by location, timing, and market conditions and cannot be determined in advance.

Final Thoughts

This project continues to move through a formal review process. Engineering studies have been completed, additional evaluations are underway, and public input remains an important part of the discussion.

For those following the project closely, reviewing official studies and Township updates directly is the best way to stay informed. This article reflects publicly known information as of January 2026, and additional details may emerge as the review process continues.

Clear information helps support better questions and more productive conversations.