Milford Council Discusses Data Center Rumors, Moratorium Proposal
Milford, Indiana, is abuzz with rumors of a proposed data center after a homeowner reportedly accepted an offer on their property for such development. Milford Town Council members and residents are actively discussing the potential project, with some expressing strong opposition due to concerns about water usage and noise. A proposal for a county-wide moratorium is being considered, and a resident is interested in starting a petition, though no official plans have been submitted to the town or county yet.
Milford, Indiana, is grappling with swirling rumors of a potential data center development within town limits. During a recent town council meeting on June 8, Councilman Jim Smiley revealed that at least one homeowner on CR 100E has accepted an offer on their property with the explicit intention for data center construction. This disclosure came despite earlier reports from Town Council President Doug Ruch and Redevelopment Commission President Dan Brown, who claimed to have no information regarding such a proposal.
Ron Baumgartner, owner of The Papers, Inc., pressed for details at the meeting, questioning the lack of official communication. Vice President Ken Long stated no official proposal had been made to the town, but he personally opposes data centers due to concerns over high water usage and noise pollution. Long advocated for Kosciusko County to implement a moratorium on data center construction, similar to Marshall County, and emphasized the need for public input on any potential development.
The rumored 213-acre site, located near Old SR 15 and CR 1300N, is currently zoned Industrial 3 and owned by BRTB Investments LLC, whose member Barney Beer denies any sale or current data center plans for that specific property. Resident Cory Cole expressed interest in organizing a petition against the data center, while Attorney Jay Rigdon advised the council that enacting a town-wide ban on data centers was likely permissible. Any official data center proposal would necessitate a special exception and approval from the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals.