The St. Joseph County Economic Development Office is now creating a plan for an “Indiana Enterprise Center” that threatens up to 22,000 acres (33 square miles) of prime farmland in northwest St. Joseph County and nearby natural areas like Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake with heavy industrial and residential development.
Heavy industry depletes resources, stresses roads with excessive wear, and pollutes the environment. Run by large corporations rather than local people, heavy industry alters the social structure of the community. If this plan is implemented, it would completely supplant the rural community that now lies between New Carlisle and South Bend, replacing the rural landscape with what the planners have termed “a mega-industrial park.” Farms and natural areas are precious, irreplaceable assets. Well managed, they protect soil fertility, water quality, and biodiversity. They provide a beautiful, healthful setting for outdoor recreation and make durable contributions to the local economy.
We are concerned residents of the Michiana area who urge the elected officials of St. Joseph County to prioritize sustainable development for our region that sensibly re-uses existing industrial sites, revitalizes historic neighborhoods, and protects farmland and natural areas. Maintaining St. Joseph County’s vibrant and balanced mix of landscapes benefits the health and economic vitality of the our region.
Please sign this petition to ask the Board of Commissioners and the County Council of St. Joseph County to
- Make any decisions about the plan for industrial development in northwest Saint Joseph County through an open and participatory process regarding what area residents desire for this region of the county.
- Consider alternatives to the “Indiana Enterprise Center” plan that prioritize sustainable development and the protection of farms and natural areas.
Updates
October 28, 2018
We just hit 1,000 signatures. Now post the petition link on Facebook and text three friends who live in the county to keep this pressure building.
Reached 1,000 supporters
October 26, 2018
September 30, 2018
We just hit 100 signatures to protect our farmland from becoming a mega-industrial park. Post the link on Facebook today and text the petition to three friends who live in the county.
Reached 100 supporters
September 28, 2018
224 Comments
Why would you ruin that historical area? My family had generations on Tulip Rd. both in Terre Coupe and south to Harrison Rd. Why do that to that area? Would that be allowed anywhere near Potato Creek? I think not.
Mike Braun recently praised Indiana Farming and asked their help in 'carbon sequestration'...keeping air quality better by capturing CO2 in farmland acreage..How Does This Fit what the IEC is trying to 'accomplish'/destroy ?
Preserve the farm land and the largest aquifer in the Midwest. Keep these farms going from one generation to the next. Repurpose land that needs to be cleaned up. These things will all have long term benefits both financially and for the health of our communities.
We moved here 32 years ago but spent all my youth in New Carlisle. We bought our home because it was a great, quiet family neighborhood. Now they are trying to ruin it for us in our Golden years. With the shredder running, it sounds like we live inside a bowling alley.
As my father would say with his subtle wit, "They aren't makin' land anymore..." once it is "developed", it isn't going back to producing food for out families and the world. Shame on the short sided, greed mongers. If this is such a good idea, rejuvenate South Bend's West Side to the city limits....
Enough development. Time to preserve
Planning Commission should safeguard our area natural lands and repurpose and update decaying commercial sites first. Make our area a win win with nature for future growth. Thank you...
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The St. Joseph County Economic Development Office is now creating a plan for an “Indiana Enterprise Center” that threatens up to 22,000 acres (33 square miles) of prime farmland in northwest St. Joseph County and nearby natural areas like Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake with heavy industrial and residential development.
Heavy industry depletes resources, stresses roads with excessive wear, and pollutes the environment. Run by large corporations rather than local people, heavy industry alters the social structure of the community. If this plan is implemented, it would completely supplant the rural community that now lies between New Carlisle and South Bend, replacing the rural landscape with what the planners have termed “a mega-industrial park.” Farms and natural areas are precious, irreplaceable assets. Well managed, they protect soil fertility, water quality, and biodiversity. They provide a beautiful, healthful setting for outdoor recreation and make durable contributions to the local economy.
We are concerned residents of the Michiana area who urge the elected officials of St. Joseph County to prioritize sustainable development for our region that sensibly re-uses existing industrial sites, revitalizes historic neighborhoods, and protects farmland and natural areas. Maintaining St. Joseph County’s vibrant and balanced mix of landscapes benefits the health and economic vitality of the our region.
Please sign this petition to ask the Board of Commissioners and the County Council of St. Joseph County to
- Make any decisions about the plan for industrial development in northwest Saint Joseph County through an open and participatory process regarding what area residents desire for this region of the county.
- Consider alternatives to the “Indiana Enterprise Center” plan that prioritize sustainable development and the protection of farms and natural areas.
Updates
October 28, 2018
We just hit 1,000 signatures. Now post the petition link on Facebook and text three friends who live in the county to keep this pressure building.
Reached 1,000 supporters
October 26, 2018
September 30, 2018
We just hit 100 signatures to protect our farmland from becoming a mega-industrial park. Post the link on Facebook today and text the petition to three friends who live in the county.
Reached 100 supporters
September 28, 2018
224 Comments
This area includes a family owned and run flower field business that is well loved in our community. They host many events that support so many other local vendors. These are the things we need and that are good for our towns!
Why would you ruin that historical area? My family had generations on Tulip Rd. both in Terre Coupe and south to Harrison Rd. Why do that to that area? Would that be allowed anywhere near Potato Creek? I think not.
Mike Braun recently praised Indiana Farming and asked their help in 'carbon sequestration'...keeping air quality better by capturing CO2 in farmland acreage..How Does This Fit what the IEC is trying to 'accomplish'/destroy ?
Preserve the farm land and the largest aquifer in the Midwest. Keep these farms going from one generation to the next. Repurpose land that needs to be cleaned up. These things will all have long term benefits both financially and for the health of our communities.
We moved here 32 years ago but spent all my youth in New Carlisle. We bought our home because it was a great, quiet family neighborhood. Now they are trying to ruin it for us in our Golden years. With the shredder running, it sounds like we live inside a bowling alley.
As my father would say with his subtle wit, "They aren't makin' land anymore..." once it is "developed", it isn't going back to producing food for out families and the world. Shame on the short sided, greed mongers. If this is such a good idea, rejuvenate South Bend's West Side to the city limits....
Enough development. Time to preserve
Planning Commission should safeguard our area natural lands and repurpose and update decaying commercial sites first. Make our area a win win with nature for future growth. Thank you...
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This area includes a family owned and run flower field business that is well loved in our community. They host many events that support so many other local vendors. These are the things we need and that are good for our towns!