Plans of Rezoning Pittsboro Farm for Data Center
Source: WISH-TV / WISH-TV
PITTSBORO, Ind. (WISH) — A family farm just north of Pittsboro could soon be a sprawling data center, according to Pittsboro officials. The move is sparking community concern. Colorado-based Vantage Data Centers is asking to rezone 618 acres and 285 acres could be used for the center. The plan does not specify what the remaining rezoned acres would be used for.
The company is aiming to rezone the site to “warehouse industrial,” according to documents filed with the town government. The property is currently owned by Charles D. Smith Family Farm Incorporated.
“I will walk out my back patio and I will see it,” concerned resident Jacy Robling said. “I think that the biggest problem is, I don’t really know how it’s going to affect me because there seems to be a little bit of secrecy.”
Robling and her neighbors made their concerns heard at a recent meeting, including questions about environmental impacts and water usage.
The company wants to build at least three buildings to make up the center, one of them being a 256-megawatt facility. Vantage would own the property, but several tenants would operate there.
“I don’t know if there’s going to be any toxicity that leaches into the ground,” Robling said. “Well water, I’m on a well as are all of my neighbors, and probably are there going to be lower property values, and, you know, I have a nice custom home. What is that going to do with my property value, I have no idea.”
Many data centers have large water demands, often used as a coolant.
The Town of Pittsboro says Vantage plans to use a cooling method that does not require a significant amount of water. They would either implement air-to-air cooling or an air-cooled glycol-based system.
Town officials say the development will connect to town utilities and no temporary wells or septic will be used by the center.
The center’s electrical source would be separate from all others in the surrounding area and Vantage says they would plant mature trees to help with the sound and view.
“There’s a lot of support from the city council that all they see is dollar signs,” concerned resident Donald Brophy said. “They want the money. They don’t care about the homeowners or you know what’s going to affect us, our way of life out there in the country.”
Robling and Brophy say the community should make their voice heard on Feb. 25, when the Pittsboro Plan Commission will consider the rezoning request at a meeting at the town’s administration building.
