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Neighbors press Plan Commission to strip data‑center use from Becknell PUD; Atkore expansion approved with buffer conditions
Summary
Following multiple public comments about truck traffic, noise and the possibility of a data center, the commission required Becknell to remove data‑center language from its PUD and approved Atkore/Becknell’s 98,000‑sf expansion contingent on stronger buffers and engineering fixes.
The Hobart City Plan Commission on April 2 recommended approval of a Becknell Industrial rezoning to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) only after the developer agreed to remove 'data centers' from the PUD’s list of permitted uses and to work with staff on more durable fencing, enhanced landscaping and screening.
Becknell representatives (Paul Thurston and Jeff Lanaghan) described plans for a four‑building speculative business park of smaller Class‑A industrial/warehouse buildings. Nearby residents raised concerns at a public hearing about the inclusion of data centers as a permitted use, truck traffic and equipment noise, lights in windows and the durability of berms and fencing. Resident Barbara Kotellis summarized the worry: "data centers come with massive power demands, large generators, cooling systems and 24/7 operations," and asked the commission to remove language that could permit one without a separate public process.
Mr. Lanaghan said Becknell would strike 'data center' from the PUD permitted‑uses list and affirmed they have no intent to build a data center on the site; he also committed to work with staff on stronger fencing or additional landscaping to address noise and headlights. The commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation contingent on those changes (motion: Dan Schultz; second: Mark Kara; vote 6‑0; Commissioner Stuart Allen recused).
Separately, the commission approved a site plan (26‑10) for an Atkore expansion at 2100 E. 69th Ave. The project calls for a 98,000‑sf building addition, paved outdoor storage for truck maneuvering, truck scales and 105 additional parking spaces; Atkore said it is consolidating Phoenix operations to the site and that the expansion represents about a $12 million investment. Commissioners granted site plan approval contingent on a more robust buffer across the front and east end (additional evergreens and sturdy fencing) and resolution of minor engineering comments (motion: Stuart Allen; second: Mark Kara; vote 7‑0).
Both actions include follow‑up work with staff on landscaping details and engineering finalization; the PUD recommendation will advance to the Common Council.
