Posey commissioners say they'd vote no on rezoning for data center

Posey County commissioners, including President Bill Collins, Vice President Greg Newman, and Commissioner Eric Koester, publicly announced their intention to vote against any rezoning request for a data center in the agricultural areas near Wadesville. Their statements were met with applause from a large audience, many wearing red, who have consistently voiced opposition to a potential data center project.

While no formal proposal for a data center has been submitted, residents have reported being approached by companies to sell land, raising concerns about water supplies, utility costs, and the impact on farmland. This public outcry led to the formation of "Protect Posey County," a Facebook group with nearly 3,000 members.

The commissioners clarified that their stance is not against data centers in general but specifically targets the proposed location, deeming it unsuitable due to factors like potential traffic. Meanwhile, the Area Plan Commission is reviewing a proposed ordinance to establish zoning, height, and other requirements for future data center structures. A public hearing on this ordinance is scheduled for August 18, primarily for public comment, with a vote to follow at a later date. Previously, Commissioner Collins admitted to signing non-disclosure agreements with a company interested in bringing a data center to the area.