Dear Editor,

If you look in a Kosciusko County plat book from the 1800s, you will find some familiar names. You’ll find Anglin, Hall, Powell, Stookey, Boggs, Bishop and Moneyheffer scattered throughout Prairie and Jefferson townships.

These families developed this area through hard work, trust and mutual respect. They were, and are, good stewards of the land, and they passed their agricultural legacy down to their families. They were the foundation of the rural character we have today.

Do you remember John Anglin and Fred Powell? They were REMC (Rural Electric Membership Cooperative) board members, leaders in their churches and volunteers in the community. Fred’s and John’s legacies are alive today in their children and grandchildren. The work ethic, values and sense of community are embedded in our county’s farm families.

Just like Fred and John, and those before them, local farmers dedicate themselves to community and sustainable economic growth and development. For decades, people in agriculture have financially supported local businesses and built businesses of their own. They volunteered with FFA and 4-H, joined service organizations like the Lions Club, became county, district and state leaders, and they supported each other during difficult and trying times. Farmers are the backbone of our community.

Why are we concerned about a data center? The rezoning of this large tract of farmland is pivotal. It will forever transform Leesburg, erode rural character, permanently remove farmland from production and permanently remove our rural identity.

Prologis will not engage in our community for decades. This gigantic, multibillion-dollar company is based in San Francisco, California. California does not understand Leesburg, Milford, Etna Green, Pierceton or Mentone. And, they certainly do not understand agriculture.

Prologis will not call Becky Kiphart to see if they can join in a bed build or Ben Logan to see if they can volunteer with Habitat. They are here to move dirt, pour concrete, take more land to support the needs of their build and make money. After this long building process is complete, they will move on to the next build.

Spot zoning ag to Industrial 3 completely contradicts common sense. It contradicts the Comprehensive Plan’s goal to preserve farmland. AI is moving fast. It is moving so fast that the life expectancy of the data center may shorten … but the life expectancy of farmland that is replaced by concrete is certain death.

Thank you to the Area Plan Commission for upholding the Comprehensive Plan and voting unanimously against the spot rezoning of heavy industrial in farmland.

There is already an area of land that is zoned for Industrial 3. It has more acreage, would fit within the existing industrial zone plan, the infrastructure is in place, and it follows the Comprehensive Plan.

Commissioners, please do not use spot zoning to stop the beating heart of agriculture in our county.

The commissioners meeting is Tuesday, April 22, at 9 a.m. Please join us on the courthouse lawn. Support small town. Support equal treatment for all residents of Kosciusko County.

Jared Templin