Mayor Mueller responds to data center proposal being shot down

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — South Bend Mayor, James Mueller, spoke with ABC57 Wednesday about the 7-2 “no” vote cast by the St. Joseph County Council Tuesday night regarding rezoning efforts for a new data center development.

The proposed center would’ve been the third in St. Joseph County and the second in New Carlisle.

Mayor Mueller, an advocate for the data center, said he was disappointed to see the proposal get shut down, and called it a setback for the county.

“Our goal shouldn’t be ‘well we’ve caught up a little bit and we’re done.’ In many ways, you’re either gaining momentum or you’re losing momentum. Last night’s vote has lost us momentum but I hope we can turn it around and add to it.” Said Mueller.

Mayor Mueller added that the data center would’ve helped regional growth as a whole, and South Bend would’ve benefited as the epicenter of the region.

His hope is that the project returns in the future and he says he’ll continue to advocate for opportunity and strong jobs in the future for St. Joe County.