Residents oppose data center plans near schools in Union Township

The Union Township Neighborhood Meeting held on May 15, 2025, focused on the proposed construction of a data center in Porter County, Indiana. Community members expressed significant concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of the facility on local health, property values, and the environment.

The meeting began with a physician highlighting the health risks associated with data centers, including their substantial electricity consumption, which can equate to that of 50,000 homes. He pointed out that the carbon footprint of data centers now surpasses that of the airline industry, raising alarms about their water usage and the strain on local resources. He emphasized the potential for increased noise pollution and its harmful effects on both humans and wildlife, citing that vibrations from the servers could be felt miles away.

Community member Erin Machichi shared her family's concerns, stating that the data center would detrimentally affect their quality of life, including decreased property values and health risks for children attending nearby schools. She criticized the presentation given by the developers, claiming it lacked a balanced view of the potential consequences.

Cheryl Davis, another resident, raised questions about the long-term implications of the data center, particularly regarding its eventual decommissioning and the potential for the site to become an eyesore or environmental hazard. She urged the community to consider alternative locations for the data center that would not disrupt the local area.

Tim Schafer, an attorney and grandfather, echoed these sentiments, expressing worry about the impact on children and the community's future. He argued that the data center would not only lower property values but also threaten the health and safety of residents, particularly those living near schools and recreational facilities.

The meeting concluded with a strong sentiment among residents against the data center, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of its potential impacts on the community's health, environment, and overall well-being. The discussions highlighted a collective call for transparency and a thorough evaluation of the project's implications before any decisions are made.