Bristol Data Center rezoning approved despite heated opposition

BRISTOL, Ind. -- The billion-dollar Bristol Data Center takes steps closer to coming to Michiana following the Bristol town council meeting on Thursday.

The Town Council voted five to one to approve zoning changes for nearly 250 acres of farmland to make way for the new data center.

Prior to the council's vote, members of the public raised awareness with a multitude of fears for developing the center. The main concerns brought to the forefront were: noise, light pollution, farmland loss, well water and a series of other concerns.

The Province Group committed to write in changes to its agreement to calm concerns. Complying with new noise ordinance, enhancing landscape buffers around the property and allowing the town of Bristol to approve the site plan to ensure oversight of contentious issues.

The public audience were not pleased with the outcome of the vote with at least a dozen of speakers specifically stating "vote no" for the council to table the vote.