Neighbors Suspect LaPorte Annexation Request Precedes Another Data Center

Property owners in LaPorte, Indiana, have submitted petitions to the LaPorte City Council requesting the annexation of over 1,000 acres of farmland into the city. This request has fueled speculation among residents that the land is being prepared for the construction of another data center, similar to a previous annexation that preceded Microsoft's current data center project on Boyd Boulevard. The LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership Executive Director, Bert Cook, confirmed the annexation request and stated a public hearing is scheduled for April 13 at the LaPorte City Council meeting. Cook declined to reveal any connection between the annexation and a specific technology firm or data center project, preferring to follow standard procedures. Residents have raised concerns at LaPorte County Commissioners' meetings regarding the potential for additional data centers, citing the presence of surveyors. Commissioner Steve Holifield, a farmer, expressed strong opposition to data centers on farmland near homes, advocating for industrial park locations instead. LaPorte County Commissioner Joe Haney also questioned the necessity of more data centers in the county due to their significant power and water demands, which could impact utility rates and groundwater. Commissioners recently voted to research an ordinance to prevent the concealment of company identification on vehicles, prompted by surveyors with covered logos in the area. The previous data center project involved Microsoft purchasing nearly 500 acres of farmland after the owners successfully sought annexation into the city.