A Texas development company hasn’t yet exercised its option to resubmit a proposal for a data center complex in Burns Harbor.
“We haven’t had any communication,” said Jeremy McHargue, who is the president of the Burns Harbor Plan Commission, along with serving as police chief
Provident Realty Advisors of Dallas announced on Oct. 7 that it was withdrawing its proposal that day but wasn’t ending its quest.
Under the town’s rules, a petitioner could reintroduce a proposal 90 days later. Provident Realty Advisors was eligible to do so after Jan. 10.
Provident Realty had expressed an interest in modifying its proposal and promised that it would “respond to concerns that have been brought to light in public meetings.”
Todd Leeth, an attorney representing Provident Realty, stated in a message relayed by an assistant that he was advised by his client that he cannot answer questions at this time.
The Texas firm had a contract with Worthington Steel to buy 102 acres at 1234 Babcock Road at the corner of Haglund Road, where they want to build a data center complex.
If Provident Realty returns with a new proposal, they will have to start over the process with the Plan Commission, McHargue said.
Burns Harbor residents were overwhelmingly opposed to a data center and expressed that opinion at a number of packed plan commission meetings.
Major objections were raised to the proposed height of 120 feet and the setbacks being only 50 feet. The noise and potential impact on the nearby Indiana Dunes National Park were also issues cited.
Earlier last year, Provident Realty Advisors proposed a data center for the former Brassie Golf Club property off Pearson Road in Chesterton. The Texas company promised to make a $1.3 billion investment that would generate tax revenue.
The Texas firm withdrew its proposal in June after Chesterton residents expressed opposition and town officials stated their grave reservations.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
