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Merrillville council adopts one-year moratorium on data center development
Summary
The Town of Merrillville council voted unanimously to adopt a one-year moratorium on data center development from June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027, citing the need to study infrastructure, traffic, noise and other community impacts following nearby projects in Hobart.
The Town of Merrillville council voted unanimously Tuesday to impose a one-year moratorium on new data center development in the town, saying elected officials need time to study effects on infrastructure, utilities, traffic and neighborhoods.
Councilman Petty moved for the moratorium, saying the town can learn from a large data center campus under construction in neighboring Hobart and “take a prudent approach by monitoring how the Hobart project develops” before permitting similar projects in Merrillville. The council adopted the pause for the period June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, in a 7–0 vote.
Why it matters: Proponents said the moratorium will let the town gather data on potential impacts — including noise, utility load, traffic and tax implications — and give residents time to weigh in. Council members emphasized fiscal concerns amid an identified general-fund shortfall and said they want to avoid approving developments that residents oppose.
Public commenters urged caution. Jennifer Gross, who told the council she brought studies and academic citations, urged elected officials to “open our eyes and take a step back and wait and protect the community.” A resident who identified himself as Sean thanked the council for the moratorium and cited a town poll he said showed 280 respondents opposed to data centers, 11 in favor and eight undecided. Other speakers raised questions about municipal court revenues and whether the town can afford new public-safety buildings while taking on large development projects.
Council reaction and next steps: Council members said the moratorium is not a final decision but a pause to collect information, hold community meetings and review environmental and infrastructure analyses. The council announced an educational workshop organized by the Northwest Indiana Forum on June 11 to provide more information about data centers and to continue the town’s review.
The council did not adopt any permanent regulations during the meeting; the moratorium temporarily bars approvals while staff and elected officials study possible ordinance changes and community impacts.
The council is scheduled to continue review at upcoming committee meetings and an educational workshop on June 11.
