In a recent meeting of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, discussions centered on the potential development of a large tract of land in Taylor Township, approximately three to four miles north of Westgate. The meeting, which took place on April 22, 2024, highlighted the importance of this area for future industrial and technological advancements, particularly in the field of energetic materials technology.

Key stakeholders, including Ian the Warden and Chris Jefferson from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), are exploring the possibility of expanding the certified tech park to include this new property. This expansion could lead to the establishment of a second certified tech park, which would be crucial for attracting funding and fostering innovation in the region.

The discussions also touched on the Industrial Defense Development initiative, previously known as LEAP, which aims to enhance collaboration between state and federal entities in defense-related projects. Concerns were raised about the potential for other entities to outpace local efforts, as seen in previous developments at Levitan.

The property in question is currently not part of the existing tech park district, but its acquisition could significantly impact local housing demands and economic growth. The area is characterized by hilly terrain, which has not deterred interest from developers. Additionally, there are ongoing conversations regarding a hypersonics building in Westgate, with Crane being identified as the lead agency for Navy hypersonics projects.

As negotiations progress, the community is urged to consider the implications of these developments, particularly in terms of housing and infrastructure, as the region prepares for potential growth driven by technological advancements and defense initiatives.