A packed and vocal crowd filled the Porter County Council chamber and adjacent rotunda to express strong opposition to proposed data centers in Wheeler. Though not listed on the board’s agenda, the public used the opportunity to protest the developments, which would occupy nearly 800 acres.
The applications for these projects were submitted on February 28 by AXPK, LLC, and made public via a records request. Concerns centered on the project’s potential environmental impact, particularly noise and water pollution, and proximity to schools.
Superintendent, Residents Warn of Environmental, Educational, and Zoning Risks Near Proposed Developments
The loudest objections came from community members and Union Township School Corporation Superintendent John Hunter. He raised alarms about the environmental risks and the potential damage to property values and school funding due to the use of tax increment financing (TIF) districts.
Hunter emphasized the danger of placing industrial developments adjacent to schools, particularly with a railroad track separating students from one of the proposed sites. Others shared fears of irreversible harm to local quality of life.
Porter County Residents Rally Against Massive Data Centers Near Schools Over Noise, Pollution, and Zoning Fears
The data centers—designated Jeremiah A and Jeremiah B—would be constructed on separate but sizable parcels. Jeremiah A would occupy 351.85 acres north of the landfill, while Jeremiah B would cover 434.46 acres near Union Township schools.
Currently zoned as rural residential, these parcels would need rezoning approval under a Planned Unit Development (PUD). The buildings are planned to be massive, potentially rising up to 120 feet, which would require variances from zoning limits.
Residents Cite Health Risks and Demand Action as Noise Concerns Intensify Around Proposal
Opponents cited personal accounts and CDC guidelines to question the noise standards proposed by AXPK, particularly the potential for constant 75 dB noise, comparable to a loud restaurant. Residents described the noise from similar facilities as intolerable and around-the-clock.
Moreover, proposed exemptions in the ordinance for certain construction activities raised further concerns about the long-term disruption residents might face. Critics argued that the proximity to residential neighborhoods and schools made such developments unacceptable.
Tensions rose during the meeting as residents demanded action, while Board of Commissioners President Jim Biggs insisted on following due process. Commissioner Barb Regnitz, however, received public praise after confirming her opposition to the projects.
Meanwhile, county officials plan to hold an informational session, expected in late April or early May, at the Porter County Expo Center. The meeting will allow AXPK to present their plans and the public to voice further concerns before any decisions are made.
