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Jasper County approves NIPSCO parcel rezoning with binding commitments after public outcry
Summary
After hours of public comment about groundwater, traffic and transparency, Jasper County commissioners approved a rezoning that would allow a data center on parcels in Kankakee Township and attached nine commitments requiring developer-funded infrastructure, water and emergency‑response plans and a 90‑day community‑enhancement agreement.
Jasper County commissioners voted Feb. 2 to rezone several parcels in Kankakee Township tied to a planned natural‑gas peaker plant and a potential data center, attaching a set of commitments the board said must accompany any developer before construction proceeds.
The 3‑member board approved the rezoning after an extended public‑comment period in which dozens of residents urged denial, citing groundwater drawdown, noise, road damage and possible long‑term declines in property values. "There is no written plan for this facility," said Dotty Warrick, a nearby resident, adding concerns that a data center could consume "up to 4 million gallons a day" for cooling. Rebecca Deardorff, another resident, cited a NIPSCO report saying a pumping rate could cause a 1–6 foot drawdown in 22 minutes, which she said contradicts assurances that…
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