NextEra Energy Transmission Mid-Atlantic plans to build a 6,000-square-foot warehouse at the intersection of County Roads 125 West and 1050 North. This proposal follows their unsuccessful attempt to establish a solar farm in Morgan Township. The Porter County Board of Zoning Appeals reviewed several zoning variance requests for this project.
Director of Development Sean Shortell clarified several points about the intended use:
This is not a generation site, a solar site, a wind site, or a gas generation site. It’s not a site for battery storage, a future data center, or other commercial or industrial development. It’s not linked to any past, present, or future NextEra projects in Porter County.
According to Shortell, the warehouse will serve as a storage facility for spare parts like large transmission line poles, to be used in emergencies. It will include office space and a restroom, but workers might visit infrequently.
NextEra requested approval for an eight-foot fence, outdoor material storage, and to use well and septic instead of extending Chesterton’s sewer and water lines. Several local residents voiced objections.
Larry Wright, who owns 52 acres southwest of the site, remarked on his vision for residential development in the area. Although the land is zoned industrial, he noted a need for residential properties. Spencer Smith, living a mile away, expressed concern over potential chemicals affecting his orchard and felt wary of NextEra’s intentions after the solar farm proposal.
Tim Chelf and Richard Ard also raised issues. Chelf, residing two doors down, worried about water contamination and cited the area’s beautiful residential homes. Ard questioned the industrial zoning decision, as the area’s predominant history is residential.
The debate included questions about NextEra’s objectives. Arvid Merkner inquired about the purchase price of $2.4 million for a supposedly simple warehouse and outdoor storage. Shortell assured that no larger development projects were planned.
The board approved an eight-foot solid fence instead of the requested chain link with slats, to account for residential neighbor concerns. Extending Chesterton utilities proved cost-prohibitive, compared to a well and septic system.
Elsewhere, the board tabled a decision on Indiana Steel Carriers’ request to allow trailer sales and outdoor storage at their rural residential zoned truck terminal. Additionally, Victory Christian Academy sought to use a septic system and well for an expansion at its grades 5-12 campus. Concerns from neighbors about the school’s impact were acknowledged.