Data Centers
The Merrillville Town Council has placed a one-year moratorium on new data center project approvals within the municipality.
The moratorium is effective from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, and is intended to provide town officials additional time to study the potential impacts of large hyperscale data center developments before making long-term decisions affecting the community.
Four separate data center developers have approached the town, including one proposal that had advanced further than the others. However, council members agreed more research and evaluation are necessary due to the scale and infrastructure demands associated with such projects.
“Merrillville is in a unique position because we have the opportunity to closely observe a major data center campus currently under construction in our neighboring community of Hobart,” Council President Rick Bella said. “Rather than rushing into decisions, we believe it is responsible to take time to study the facts, evaluate real-world impacts and learn from a project developing right next door before determining what may or may not be appropriate for Merrillville.”
During the meeting, Bella noted the observation period allows the town to better understand issues involving infrastructure, utilities, traffic, noise, economic development, tax revenue and neighborhood compatibility.
Town officials emphasized the moratorium doesn’t represent opposition to economic development or technology-related investment but instead reflects a cautious and fact-based approach to future planning.
“Good government means making informed decisions based on facts and experience,” Bella said. “This moratorium allows Merrillville to gather valuable information so future decisions are made thoughtfully and in the best long-term interests of our residents.”
The Town Council indicated the moratorium period also allows staff and officials to continue discussions with industry representatives, planners, utility providers and other communities experiencing similar developments.
“As your elected officials, we have a responsibility to make decisions that protect not only the future growth of our town, but also the quality of life for the families who call Merrillville home,” Councilwoman Shauna Haynes-Edwards said.
Councilman Shawn Pettit acknowledged that data centers could bring financial benefits through increased property tax revenue, but he believes the town should first explore other options for addressing budget constraints before committing to projects that could have lasting impacts on the community.
“I’d rather do it that way than to bring in something the residents don’t want,” Pettit said.
The town will continue to have Citizen Advisory Committee meetings to discuss Data Centers as well as host the upcoming June 11, 2026, Data Center Educational meeting that is being presented by the Northwest Indiana Forum. The informational meeting includes expert guest speakers and breakout sessions to allow residents to ask direct questions to industry professionals. That meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. inside the Event Center at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center, 6600 Broadway.