Firm withdraws plan that could have brought data center to Munster
A developer, Saxon Partners, has formally withdrawn its Plan Commission petition for a potential data center project in Munster, Indiana, following significant public opposition. The company plans to re-engage with residents to develop a new, more inclusive application. This comes after the Munster Plan Commission tabled an ordinance update that would have included data center-related zoning language.
Hingham, Massachusetts-based Saxon Partners, operating as SPIN Munster LLC, has formally withdrawn its Plan Commission petition application PC26-006 for a proposed project that could have included a data center in Munster, Indiana. Gary Warfel, the development director for Saxon Partners, indicated in an August 31 letter to the Plan Commission that the company plans to "re-evaluate our plans by first engaging Town of Munster residents in a more thoughtful and collaborative manner" following significant public reaction to their initial proposal.
The 59-acre property involved is the Munster portion of the former Lansing Country Club. The developer aims to demonstrate a commitment to creating a project that benefits the community by approaching future development in a more inclusive manner. Saxon Partners intends to submit a new Plan Commission Application and Development Plan for Kenmara after a period of active community engagement.
Previously, the Munster Town Council had approved an initial ordinance for a tech park on the Indiana side of the property in November. However, the Munster Plan Commission later tabled updates to the town's zoning code and a potential unified development ordinance that would have introduced standards for regulating the data center industry. This meeting was reportedly packed with residents largely in opposition to Saxon's plans. Following this, Saxon Partners had communicated its intent to exclude data centers and expressly identify them as a prohibited use within the proposed Kenmara Technology Park application.