Residents Express Concerns Over Proposed $1 Billion Data Center in Bristol, Indiana

Photo byGeorgia Butler

The small town of Bristol, Indiana, is facing a heated debate over a proposed $1 billion data center campus, as residents voice concerns about its potential impact on the community. During a September 5th meeting hosted by the Bristol Town Council, dozens of locals expressed their dissatisfaction with the project, despite reassurances from developers and planners.

The Proposal

The proposed data center campus, spearheaded by Christine Truee Wilhelm and represented by Pinnacle Properties, aims to transform 247.2 acres of agricultural land on the north side of County Road 23 in Washington Township into a sprawling complex of data centers. The land, currently zoned for agricultural use, would need to be rezoned for manufacturing to accommodate the development. Planning Commission Staff has already recommended approval of the rezoning request, but the final decision rests with the Bristol Town Council.

Tim Ramm of Pinnacle Properties presented the project details, describing it as a series of one- or two-story buildings constructed with concrete or steel frames. The complex would cover approximately 800,000 to 1.2 million square feet, with a capital expenditure investment potentially reaching $1 billion. The development is projected to generate around $23 million in annual tax revenue for Bristol, a significant economic boost for the town.

Community Concerns

Despite the economic potential, many residents remain wary. Key concerns raised at the council meeting included noise pollution, water usage, and the impact on property values. While Pinnacle Properties assured residents that the noise levels from the site's generators would be around 75 decibels at the property edge and emphasized measures to reduce sound, such as enclosing generators and creating physical buffers, doubts lingered. "How can you make a proper decision not knowing who or what is coming into town?" asked Lester Otto, reflecting the sentiment of many who feel uneasy about the project’s lack of clarity on its end-user.

Residents are also worried about the strain on local resources. Mark Kerslake of Province Group noted that the center would require around 100,000 gallons of water per day, likening it to an industrial or manufacturing facility. Ken Jones of JPR, one of the architectural and engineering firms involved, attempted to alleviate some concerns by noting that Bristol is currently working on a water and sewer upgrade project to accommodate such a development. However, questions about long-term sustainability and the community's ability to handle such a large-scale project remain.

The Path Forward

The proposal is not without its obstacles. The project was previously submitted in January 2024 but was turned down by a planning commission, leading the developers to promise a more detailed plan for their next application. Now, the recommendation for approval by the planning commission is conditional on the development remaining a data center; should the project fall through, a new rezoning request will be required.

A second reading and public hearing are scheduled for September 19th, where residents will have another opportunity to voice their concerns. Following this, the Bristol Town Council is expected to cast its final vote on the rezoning request and, ultimately, the fate of the data center.

Context of Indiana’s Data Center Market

Bristol, part of Washington Township in Indiana, finds itself on the periphery of a growing data center market in the state. While Indiana hosts only 38 data centers—primarily clustered in Indianapolis and South Bend—developers are eyeing the area for potential expansion. Notably, companies like Amazon and Microsoft have already secured rezoning approvals for new data centers in nearby South Bend and Granger, respectively. This trend suggests that Indiana, with its relatively low-cost land and proximity to major Midwestern markets, is becoming an attractive location for tech companies seeking to establish data infrastructure.

As Bristol residents prepare for the next public hearing, the future of their community hangs in the balance. Will the promise of economic growth outweigh the concerns of the local populace, or will opposition halt this major development? The outcome could have implications not just for Bristol, but for the broader data center landscape in Indiana.