Continental Divide trail foe defends saying he'd sell to data center
Brent Burkus, a vocal opponent of the proposed Midwest Continental Divide Trail in St. Joseph County, Indiana, is defending earlier comments about selling his farmland to a data center company. Burkus claims his remarks were born out of frustration over the pressure from the trail project, which he fears could involve eminent domain. The controversy highlights landowner concerns amidst development proposals in the region.
Brent Burkus, owner of Martin Blad Farms and a vocal critic of the proposed Midwest Continental Divide Trail, is addressing allegations of a lack of transparency regarding his opposition to the multi-use project. Burkus, who spoke against the trail at a July 14 meeting of the St. Joseph County Redevelopment Commission, expressed fears that the project could lead to land acquisition by eminent domain. He has actively campaigned among neighbors to preserve agricultural land use.
WNDU, a newsgathering partner for The Tribune, reported on an April 22 recording in which Burkus reportedly stated, "But if I want to sell 400 acres for a data center, sure. With the money they’re offering nowadays, given the farming community, what’s going on? Sure. I’m gone." Burkus confirmed the voice was his but clarified to WNDU's Caroline Klapp that his comments stemmed from frustration over the pressure exerted by the trail project, asserting that he wishes to continue farming his land and be left undisturbed.
Shawn Peterson, a consultant for the trail project, commented to WNDU that he aims to prevent the project from failing due to misinformation. Peterson emphasized the time-intensive process of working with communities and landowners to ensure voluntary participation, noting that several landowners are willing and that existing routes could be utilized without involuntary involvement.