Commission gives favorable vote to rezoning of St. Joe Farm land. Could become data center.
St. Joe Farm rezoning gets favorable vote from Area Plan Commission South Bend Tribune
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The Rezoning of St. Joe Farm for Industrial Use
On April 16, 2024, the St. Joseph County’s Area Plan Commission voted to give a favorable recommendation for the rezoning of 914 acres of farmland at the historic St. Joe Farm. This proposed rezoning would convert the agricultural land into an industrial area for a “business-tech campus”. The total building space is estimated to be 1.1 million cubic feet.
Support and Opposition
During the meeting, several individuals expressed their support or opposition to the rezoning. The proposed rezoning would affect the acreage located east of Capital Avenue and Cleveland Road. The rezoning decision now awaits the county council’s final decision.
Unknown Developer and Employment Opportunities
The developer behind the project has not been disclosed yet. However, it is expected that the development will provide employment opportunities for approximately 300 people.
Concerns and Mitigation Measures
Some concerns were raised by neighbors regarding the lack of transparency about the nature of the “business-tech campus” and potential negative impacts such as increased traffic and visual pollution. However, Mike Danch, a local consultant representing the development, addressed concerns about the loss of farmland by highlighting existing soil problems caused by silt from other farms. He also mentioned that the developer is interested in implementing additional measures suggested by the Juday Creek Task Force to protect Juday Creek, which passes through the property.
Next Steps
The Tribune will continue to provide updates on this story, including more details and quotes from stakeholders involved in the project.
For more information, contact South Bend Tribune reporter Joseph Dits at 574-235-6158 or jdits@sbtinfo.com.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 15: Life on Land
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Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content
- SDG 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
- SDG 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
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Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article
- Loss of farmland
- Soil problems caused by silt from other farms
- Protection of Juday Creek
- Lack of transparency about the “business-tech campus”
- Traffic concerns
- Potential “eyesore”
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries. | – Loss of farmland – Lack of transparency about the “business-tech campus” – Traffic concerns – Potential “eyesore” |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | – Loss of farmland – Soil problems caused by silt from other farms |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | – Loss of farmland – Protection of Juday Creek |
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Source: southbendtribune.com
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