Three Lowell residents formally entered the race for the township board ahead of the 2027 election, seeking the supervisor position and two trustee seats. Their filings were submitted Tuesday at the Kent County Clerk’s Office.
Why the Challenge?
The candidates say the proposed Microsoft hyperscale AI data center at the 200‑acre Covenant Business Park, just off I‑96, threatens Lowell’s rural character and the quality of life for nearby families. The project has been the focus of more than 20 public meetings since its announcement nearly a year ago.
Greg Forbes, running for supervisor against incumbent Jerry Hale, emphasized the need for transparent governance. “We should have a transparent government where everybody can come to the table and express what they want,” Forbes said. He added that current officials are not adequately hearing constituents.
Trustee Candidates
Ashton Shaw and Jacqueline Poulson are each seeking a trustee seat. Shaw, a former Chicago resident who moved to Lowell for its quieter, rural lifestyle, said he wants to protect that way of life from the data‑center development that sits only a few miles from his home.
Poulson, a mother of two who owns property a mile and a half from the proposed site, echoed the desire to preserve the township’s beauty and tranquility. She listed three primary reasons for running: preserving the township, restoring open and honest communication with residents, and bringing greater integrity to the board.
“Our current leadership has voted to limit the amount of public comments that our constituents can make,” Poulson noted, adding that she aims to restore trust between the board and the community.
Board Response and Next Steps
When contacted, incumbent Supervisor Jerry Hale declined to comment on the challengers. FOX 17 is awaiting responses from the other board members.
The township board is scheduled to review a draft data‑center ordinance at its Monday meeting at Lowell Middle School. The draft will outline requirements for the developer, potentially addressing water usage, noise, and other impacts. After the review, the board will decide whether to study the ordinance further or forward it to the planning commission.
FOX 17 will continue to follow the data‑center proposal and provide updates as Lowell Township moves forward.
Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.
