Michigan City residents are urging local officials to adopt tougher restrictions on data center development as the City Council considers a proposed moratorium that would temporarily limit new projects.

Several residents gathered outside City Hall on Tuesday, October 20, expressing concerns that the proposed ordinance contains exemptions that could allow certain developments to proceed despite the restrictions.

The proposal would generally suspend new data center development through 2028, giving city officials additional time to evaluate the potential impact of large-scale facilities.

However, opponents argue that language protecting projects with existing development rights could create significant loopholes.

Much of the concern centers on Google’s Project Maize, a data center development already under construction in Michigan City. The project includes a building planned to encompass approximately 400,000 square feet.

Resident Jada O’Rourke expressed concern about the potential consequences of a development of that size and called for careful consideration of its impact on the community.

Eileen Mark, a Michigan City resident and member of Just Transition Northwest Indiana, raised concerns about the possibility of future expansion affecting nearby neighborhoods, natural areas and community spaces.

Mark specifically questioned a provision in Section D(4) of the proposed ordinance that provides an exception for Google’s existing project and other developments with vested rights.

Opponents say the wording leaves uncertainty about which projects could qualify for exemptions and whether additional data center proposals could move forward.

The council previously considered another moratorium proposal, but that measure was tabled indefinitely.

Council member Nancy Moldenhauer has proposed reviving the earlier ordinance for additional consideration.

The City Council is expected to take up the latest moratorium proposal for a second reading during its November 3 meeting.