Michigan City council tables data center approvals after lengthy public hearing and technical Q&A

After a three-hour public hearing that drew more than two dozen speakers, the Michigan City Common Council on Monday paused final decisions on multiple measures tied to a proposed data center at 402 Royal Road, introduced by Phoenix Michigan City Investors and tied to a proposed end user the city identified as Lavender Fields Holdings. The council voted to table related resolutions and ordinances for one month to allow further study and public outreach.

The petition and related resolutions prompted sustained public comment and technical presentations. Redevelopment director Skyler York told the council the Economic Revitalization Area (ERA) under consideration "is the tool that allows us to grant abatements." He said the ERA in this case is intended to enable a longer, up-to-40-year abatement if the project moves forward. York also said the ERA would apply to the developer, Phoenix Industries, and could be used for this project or another in the future.

Why it matters: Residents and nearby stakeholders raised questions about noise, diesel backup generation, water use, air emissions, traffic and whether the city’s electric utility and regional grid can support the site without increasing residential rates. Council members repeatedly asked for independent analysis and assurances about the municipal impacts before voting.

Key facts and actions - Public comment: More than 25 people…