GREENFIELD — Cloud computer technology, including artificial intelligence, needs data centers to function. A developer hopes to convert more than 700 acres of Hancock County farmland into an AI data campus.
The proposal concerns land on County Road W 500 N just east of the Indianapolis Regional Airport and the Walmart Fulfillment Center. The Hancock County Planning Commission will hear a rezoning request for the property on May 27th.
"These folks are looking all over the country to locate these facilities," said Chris King of Surge Development LLC, the company behind the data campus plan. "National security interests are supporting AI. I think Hancock County and Indiana in general have an opportunity to be part of that."
The data campus site is next to Tuttle Orchards, who expressed their opposition to the proposal in a letter to its customers this week.
They wrote, in part, "We have concerns this proposal could significantly alter the character of the area," and "The presence of very large industrial buildings very close to the farm could detract from this environment."
King said he is willing to work with the community because he believes the data center will pay off if it is constructed.
"I've been working with the site for the last four years," King said. "It's increased investment into the community, which will help the community tax base. It's also new jobs. Good, quality jobs."
The Hancock County Planning Commission meeting about the data center is scheduled for May 22. Tuttle Orchards will continue to provide updates on their website.
-
Pacers President Kevin Pritchard reacts to losing first-round pick
The NBA Draft Lottery is over, and the Indiana Pacers won’t have a first-round pick this year after finishing with a franchise-worst 19–63 record.
Valparaiso couple fights to get children back amid state's suspicion of abuse
A Valparaiso mother and father are fighting to get their kids back after they say the Indiana Department of Child Services wrongfully accused them of abusing their baby.
Sheriff: Man indicted, mom charged in dog attack that killed infant
A Jackson County grand jury last week indicted a 50-year-old Brownstown man of reckless homicide in the death of an infant attacked by a dog in 2025, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office said Monday.
Storm chances for Tuesday evening, followed by warmer week
A nice week is in store across central Indiana. Our next rain chance arrives Tuesday night. High temperatures this weekend climb into the 80s.
