South Dakota, Indiana Councils Weigh Major Data Center Projects

Two significant data center projects are under consideration in the Midwest, one near Sioux Falls and Brandon, South Dakota, and another in Michigan City, Indiana. In South Dakota, Gemini Data Center SD, LLC proposes rezoning 160 acres from residential to light industrial, potentially creating 200 to 300 jobs; this plan is currently under review by the Sioux Falls City Council following a recommendation from the planning commission, despite some concerns from Brandon city officials about the project's compatibility with their residential growth plans. Meanwhile, in Michigan City, Phoenix Investors plans to convert a former industrial site into an $832 million data center, offering $26.1 million to the city and pledging economic development contributions. However, Michigan City residents and council members have expressed concerns about transparency, environmental impacts, noise, pollution, and health effects, leading to the tabling of all related resolutions for further review. Both projects illustrate the tension between economic development opportunities from data centers and local community concerns over environmental and quality-of-life impacts. The ongoing deliberations highlight the need for careful planning and community engagement in data center development decisions.