Data center concerns voiced at town hall meeting
A town hall meeting in Jefferson County, Indiana, addressed community concerns regarding a proposed data center. The event followed the Jefferson County Board of Zoning Appeals' decision to deny an appeal against the building inspector's approval, affirming the data center's compliance with heavy industrial zoning. Residents were encouraged to seek a moratorium and an ordinance to regulate data centers, while also considering legal action.
A community town hall meeting was held in Madison, Jefferson County, Indiana, to discuss concerns surrounding a proposed data center project at the Jefferson Proving Ground.
The event followed a May 20 decision by the Jefferson County Board of Zoning Appeals, which unanimously denied an appeal of the county building inspector's approval of the data center application. The board found that the data center met the criteria for heavy industrial zoning on the proposed land.
Panelists included Bryce Gustafson from Citizens Action Coalition, economics professor Eric Dodge from Hanover College, and Elijah Chandler, a community leader opposing the project. Daniel Ford, a member of the family owning the land, was invited but did not attend, citing safety concerns due to death threats. Organizers also noted that County Council and County Commissioners members, despite being invited and having seats reserved, did not attend.
Attendees raised questions regarding power, water usage, environmental impact, economic benefits, and e-waste handling. Mary Hansen, an organizer, urged elected officials to provide written answers to these questions. New independent candidates for County Council, Rebecca Schaefer and Elijah Chandler, who oppose data centers, were also announced. Gustafson suggested continued community outreach and considering legal action, while Dodge emphasized the need for transparency and written standards if the project proceeds. Ultimately, Hansen encouraged attendees to advocate for a moratorium on data centers and a regulatory ordinance, as well as contribute to a legal defense fund. Chandler condemned the death threats received by the Ford family, emphasizing the need for respectful discourse despite strong community feelings.