The developer behind a proposed data center in Kalkaska has pulled the plug on the project following strong public backlash, cancelling a community forum scheduled Thursday night in Coldsprings Township.

Matt Rine of Rocklocker had planned three community forums this week to get feedback on the proposed multi-billion-dollar data center, which he hoped to locate on 1,440 acres of state land near Island Lake and South River roads. An overflow crowd packed the first event Monday, grilling Rine about the project and expressing strong opposition to its construction in Kalkaska. Multiple legislators also weighed in publicly this week opposing the project and and emphasizing it would not happen on DNR land. Rine previously told The Ticker public and legislative support would be key to getting the DNR on board and moving forward with the data center.

"We sought public input because we want to be partners with the community we live and work in," Rine said in a statement Thursday. "And we heard you. That is why my company and Kalkaska Go will end its pursuit of a data center. We are grateful we had the opportunity to engage in public discourse - it is important to work together as a community when making decisions about the future, even when there is disagreement.”

A forum planned Thursday night at the Coldsprings Township Branch Library in Mancelona has been cancelled.