Silas Colon’s Blog: No Illusions

A Michigan Senior’s Fight for Fair Play

By Silas Colon, Retired Carpenter, Colon, Michigan—The Magic Capital of the World

Welcome to my corner of the web. I’m 73, a stroke survivor walking daily on my own two feet again, living on about $2,300 from Social Security after Medicare Advantage deductions (spoiler: it’s no real advantage these days—denials, narrow networks, and endless prior authorizations). I built homes for big Chicago-area builders like Pulte and Lennar for decades before retiring here to Colon, Michigan. Now I fight for what matters: keeping our homes affordable and protecting our small-town way of life from corporate illusions.

I write about the real magic—not stage tricks, but community strength. Lately, it’s two big issues: the surge of data centers gobbling resources while getting massive tax breaks, and the need for **property tax exemptions** (or at least real relief) for seniors over 70 on fixed incomes.

Here’s the heart of it, pulled together from my posts over the past year:

No Illusions Here They call data centers the future—giant server farms promising jobs and growth. But it’s smoke and mirrors. These facilities gobble electricity like endless scarves from a magician’s hat, strain the grid, and drive up rates for everyday folks. Water for cooling? Hundreds of thousands of gallons daily per big site. Michigan’s already seeing proposals surge across counties (Southeast Michigan, Monroe, Saline, and more), with at least 15+ projects in play as of 2026. State lawmakers handed them sales and use tax exemptions (6% off equipment and construction), plus potential property tax abatements via Renaissance Zones or similar incentives—millions in giveaways. Meanwhile, seniors like me scrape by, facing rising property taxes that could force us out of homes we’ve paid into for decades.

Advantage? What advantage? Medicare Advantage plans promise more coverage, but pull back the curtain: denials are up, networks are shrinking, and care is delayed. I fought for physical therapy post-stroke — took weeks of appeals. Add data center energy demands pushing DTE and Consumers rates higher (some projections say residential bills could climb 10–20% or more if builds explode), and fixed incomes crack. Michigan’s Homestead Property Tax Credit helps some (up to around $1,200 if you qualify), but it’s not enough when assessments jump and inflation bites.

The Real Magic: Keeping Our Homes Colon’s known for magic—rabbits from hats, vanishing acts. But data centers are no trick: nationwide, they consume billions of gallons of water yearly and spike power needs dramatically. Here in Michigan, tax breaks total huge sums for tech giants, while senior poverty creeps up. We need more than credits—push for full property tax exemptions or deferrals for folks 70+ who’ve paid their dues. Bills like HB 4379 and SB 292 (introduced in 2025) aim to exempt principal residences for seniors 70+ from taxes after December 31, 2025. Why not expand that? No more losing homes to “economic development” that leaves residents behind.

No Hat Tricks for Taxes Colon thrives on real magic—illusions that delight. But data centers? No illusion: Virginia’s seen power rate hikes and water shortages. Michigan offers them sales tax exemptions on gear and property incentives. Seniors get crumbs. Join the call: expand the Homestead credit (AARP Michigan is pushing hard), support moratoriums on new builds until impacts are clear, and demand zero property tax for qualifying seniors.

From the Steps in Lansing I went to the rally in Lansing — bipartisan crowd calling for moratoriums and repeal of those 2024 tax incentives. Saw folks from the Michigan Environmental Council, Sierra Club, and other seniors worried about grid strain and climate goals. Spoke up: “I’ve built homes for families; don’t make us lose ours to server farms.” It’s not left or right—it’s right vs. wrong.

Local Sparks in Colón No massive data center proposal right here in Branch County yet, but the statewide surge means it’s coming. Water threats to our lakes and power draws spiking rates. Linking with AARP Michigan, Area Agency on Aging groups, and environmental coalitions. Demand: full property tax exemptions for 70+, no more corporate handouts.

When the Body Falters, the Fight Strengthens. A health scare reminded me why this matters. Medicare Advantage delayed care again. **Data centers** pushing emissions and costs higher? Unacceptable. Bills like HB 4379 for exemptions—let’s make it law.

One Step at a Time: Township delays, statewide moratorium calls growing. Tied our fight to environmental justice and senior security. Property taxes eating homes? Not on our watch.

If you’re a Michigan senior feeling the pinch or just tired of big promises that hurt the little guy, drop a comment or share this. Let’s build real change—no illusions required.

Share if it resonates—every voice counts in the Magic Capital and beyond.