The Hancock County MegaSite Planned Unit Development, PUD, was a proposal with the purpose of creating a data center and advanced manufacturing opportunities. The PUD would take up 775 acres of farmland located in Buck Creek Township, which is located west of Greenfield.
Many local residents protested the PUD, as for some, it butted up against their property. Locals in protest of the PUD posted signs against the development along West 600 North. On Tuttles Orchard’s website, one could sign a petition against the PUD. When the PUD was cancelled, the petition was taken down.
On March 28, Surge Development, who are the developers of the MegaSite, submitted their Preliminary Plan for the PUD. Then, on May 8, an informal public meeting was held at Greenfield-Central High School. After facing immense backlash from the local community, Surge Development withdrew their application on May 13.
Though the PUD was rejected, that is not to say Hancock is in the clear. Development of warehouses and distribution centers is becoming common above Interstate 70 in the Buck Creek area.
Additionally, data centers are becoming more and more popular in Indiana, with over 75 spanning across the state. Developers chose Indiana because of its central location and tax exemptions regarding equipment and energy.
