Porter County residents press commissioners over proposed data center near Wheeler schools; board says it must follow process

At a regularly scheduled April 2025 meeting, dozens of residents of Union Township urged the Porter County Board of Commissioners to delay consideration of a proposed hyperscale data center near Wheeler and several Union Township schools, warning of noise, water use, health and property-value consequences.

The testimony came during an extended public-comment period. Jonathan, identifying himself with the Union Township School Corporation, told the commissioners the project could “have significant impact on Union Township Schools” and urged caution. Angela, who said she is a lifelong Union Township resident and a licensed realtor, asked the board to “please do not proceed without the people of this county because we are watching.”

Residents described similar concerns: potential 24/7 noise and low-frequency vibration, heavy local traffic during construction, unknown groundwater and water-consumption impacts, and changes to residential character and home values. Marissa Barnes said she collected 1,500 petition signatures gathered in one day opposing the project; she said 71% of signers were local ZIP codes. Others asked for an independent environmental and fiscal impact study, a community oversight board representing Union Township, and full public disclosure of any campaign or developer contributions.

“I'm not against progress,” David Volba said. “I believe the promised economic benefit will not override the negative impact on the quality of life for Union Township residents.” Phil Norman, whose wife has worked in data centers, said his wife reported they are “very, very loud” and described health concerns tied to noise and vibration. Fifteen-year-old Allison Ruiz said she lives with chronic Crohn’s disease and warned about long-term health and environmental impacts.

Commissioners emphasized they must follow the statutory process for any rezoning or permit requests. Commissioner Jim Biggs told the room that he would not “step out and deny or approve this without the process taking…