Developers present plan for Union Township data center; residents, officials raise health, noise and water concerns

QTS Data Centers on Thursday presented a concept plan for a proposed Union Township data center and related PUD to a Porter County informational neighborhood meeting, outlining a multibuilding campus the company says could represent roughly $2 billion in investment and 125–175 full‑time jobs while generating an estimated $10 million in annual tax revenue at full build‑out.

The company’s presentation focused on the PUD process required by the Porter County Unified Development Ordinance and Indiana Code 36‑7‑4‑600, proposed site design elements and community mitigation measures; more than three hours of public comment followed, with many residents, parents, school and environmental advocates urging the county to move the project to a fully industrial location rather than beside homes and Wheeler High School.

Why it matters: QTS’s concept would change the use of large tracts of mostly agricultural and residential land near Wheeler High School and recreation fields, potentially altering traffic, utility load and local viewsheds. Planning staff and residents emphasized the application is at the concept and rezoning stage and that the planning commission is advisory; the final decision, if the project advances, rests with the Porter County Board of Commissioners and — if adopted as an ordinance — would require two readings.

QTS officials said the proposal would be submitted as two separate PUD cases treated as a single presentation but independently decided. Nick Blessing, who identified himself as QTS’s head of policy and economic development, told the meeting QTS operates national facilities and intends “to be thoughtful partners” in the community. Chris Capper, QTS development lead, described site constraints and said the company plans to request the I‑1 zoning district as a baseline with PUD modifications that could permit up to 75 feet in building height (a 50 percent modification under the county code) and large landscaped…