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Residents press council for transparency, raise water concerns tied to possible data‑center plans
Summary
Multiple residents urged Lowell’s council to disclose meetings with Microsoft and to prioritize protection of water and wetlands, saying proposed data‑center projects raise questions about local water supply; council members said they would share meeting information where possible and noted a scheduled video meeting with Microsoft.
During citizen comments the council heard several residents ask for more transparency about city discussions with Microsoft and raised concerns that proposed data‑center development could strain water resources and affect wetlands.
Christy Gingrich thanked staff for answering her questions about the water system and asked that the monthly manager’s report include status updates on subgrant reporting, wastewater wholesale negotiations with the township, and other regular updates so the public can track progress. Gina Ladner urged the council to "please, please, please keep our water in mind" when considering data centers and said the master plan emphasizes protecting wetlands and drinking‑water supplies.
Betsy Lopez Wagner, speaking for Residents United for a Healthy Lowell, asked the city to announce when meetings with Microsoft take place — even if outside regular council sessions — so the public knows who met and what was discussed. She flagged an upcoming planning commission meeting in Lowell Charter Township where Microsoft was expected to present and announced Residents United meetings on June 12 and a community rally on June 14.
Council member Eric Barkus said he will share information about meetings he attends related to water and wastewater agreements and confirmed a video meeting with Microsoft was scheduled for the coming Wednesday with the city manager and a council representative. He said he would share as much information as he is able after those sessions.
No formal action or change to city policy resulted from the comments; the items were recorded as public comment and council members committed to communicate meeting schedules and to provide updates where possible.
