Hancock County Farm Pushes Back on Proposed Data Center Plan
GREENFIELD, Ind. (WISH) — A family-friendly farm in Hancock County is trying to fight a proposed data center that would be built right next to their land.
Tuttle Orchards has been around for more than 95 years. Over those years, they’ve won awards for their apples and apple cider.
They also expanded to be a family-friendly destination that gives tours to school-aged kids.
It’s that vibe the farm is trying to protect.
The new data center has the possibility of going into the field right next to the farm’s fruit fields and family playground area. That is why the farm has concerns that the project could change the character of the area and hurt their business.
The owner of Tuttle Orchards did not want to comment on camera, but in an email to all of their customers, they asked the people of Hancock County to stand up for them and the atmosphere they have built.
They pointed them to a petition that asks the Hancock County Planning Commission to not recommend the data center be built.
According to the plans submitted to the commission, the data center would sit on 775 acres.
A map shows that the initial plan uses land that is further away from Tuttle Orchards, with an orange shaded area representing their future plans to expand, which would put it right next to the farm.
I-Team 8 called the company who submitted the plans. Officials said they’re focused on being a good neighbor to the people surrounding the project, and that they are working with Tuttle Orchards to address their concerns.
The president of the Hancock County Planning Commission told I-Team 8 he’s reviewing the proposal, but won’t make a decision on it until the public hearing on May 27.
The planning commission as a whole has three options. They can recommend it, not recommend it, or have no opinion.
Hancock County commissioners will then decide the fate of the project.
