Town May Allow Data Centers at Old Golf Course

The town of Munster, Indiana is thinking about changing rules for a new technology park. The park would be built where the old Lansing Country Club used to be. Town leaders want to allow data centers to be built there in the future. They will meet on Tuesday, June 9 to talk about this idea.

A data center is a large building filled with computers that store information for websites and apps. Right now, the town doesn't plan to build any data centers. But they want to save the right to change their minds later. The technology park already allows many types of businesses like computer companies and medical research labs.

Council President Joe Hofferth said the town council hasn't decided yet about data centers. He has lived in Munster for 58 years and wants what's best for the town. Hofferth thinks data centers could bring a lot of money to help the community. But he also knows that some people in town are worried about them.

Many residents have concerns about the plan. One person named Bill Craft is worried about noise and water problems. He lives near where the technology park would be built. Craft said the water pressure in his home is already low after old water pipes were replaced.

Another resident, Sofia Huizar-Leick, doesn't want more manufacturing in Munster. She thinks it could pollute the land and make it hard to clean up later. She pointed to abandoned factories in nearby Gary as an example of what could go wrong.

The town will hold meetings to let people share their thoughts. There will be a public hearing on July 14 where residents can speak about their concerns. People can also send written comments by email. All meetings will be available to watch online so everyone can stay informed.