Evidence of Opposition to the IEC by Citizens of St. Joseph County

1.     Publications by Citizens of St. Joseph County

 Viewpoints – South Bend Tribune

 Letters to the Editor - South Bend Tribune

Letters to the Editor - New Carlisle Gazette

  • Bob Humbarger, Watch How They Behave, then Vote, September 2020

  • Amy Radcliff, There is a Better Way - Amy Radcliff,  September 4, 2020

  • Jack Daly, The Time is Now, February 2020

  • Daniel Caruso, Those Who Don’t Read History are Doomed to Repeat It, March 2019 [1]

2.     Door-to-door survey of New Carlisle Residents

 In November 2019, OSAA members along with a few residents of the New Carlisle Economic Development Area conducted a door-to-door canvass about the IEC. [2] They canvassed 102 residents within the development area, of whom:

  • 81 residents were opposed to the IEC (79%)

  • 17 residents were unsure (16%)

  • 4 were in favor in favor (5%)

3.     Indiana Enterprise Center Area Management Plan

 The IEC plan refers to a May 2018 meeting between the Executive Committee, Project Team, and OSAA. The report documents the concerns (copied below) which to date have not been addressed:

  • “Protection of agricultural land and soils.

  • Storm water management impacts due to addition of impervious surfaces.

  • There is concern about the existing water table and aquifer.

  • The application of tax increment financing (TIF) and related tools.

  • There is an interest in retaining the region’s cultural amenities.

  • Reduction of impacts due to additional truck and vehicle traffic is a concern.

  • Community members wish to understand the impacts and benefits to area schools.

  • Protection of area wetlands and open spaces was highlighted by many.

  • Potential air, noise, and water pollution impacts due to new development.

  • Promoting sustainable businesses that have a lasting positive impact on the region is critical.

  • There is concern over the type of businesses being attracted to the IEC.” [3] 

4.     Comments on the IEC Plan Draft

In the summer of 2020, citizens were invited to make comments on the IEC plan: there are 305 pages of comments. [4] The majority of the comments were in opposition to the IEC. As of the publication of this report, the citizens have not received a response to those comments.  

5.     Concerns Expressed by County Officials

6.     Editorials of the South Bend Tribune

[1] See also, Ted Booker, “Elwood vs. New Carlisle: Could proposed industrial park backfire on St. Joseph County?” South Bend Tribune, March 24, 2019

[2] Canvassers gathered the name and address of the person with whom they spoke, and asked the following questions:

  1. In general, are you for or against the IEC development (Against / For / Not Sure)

  2. Do you have concerns about water quality due to development (Yes / No / Not Sure)

  3. Are you concerned about eminent domain being used to take your land? (Yes / No / Not Sure)

  4. Are you looking to sell land you own in the Economic Development Area? (Yes / No / Not Sure)

  5. Do you want to see that land remain in agricultural use, if possible? (Yes / No / Not Sure)

  6. Are you interested in selling land for industrial use? (Yes / No / Not Sure)

  7. What do you want to tell county officials about development issues in this area?

[3] Infrastructure, Planning & Growth, Division of Economic Development, “Indiana Enterprise Center Area Management Plan.” St. Joseph County Website. January 2020. http://sjcindiana.com/1798/IEC-Area-Management-Plan-Draft. The IEC Area Management Plan also refers to “Appendix C” with a more complete report of community input, but no such appendix is available.

[4] Infrastructure, Planning & Growth, Division of Economic Development, “IEC Management Strategy Public Comments.” St. Joseph County Website. Accessed November 8, 2020. http://sjcindiana.com/DocumentCenter/View/39347/IEC-Management-Strategy-Public-Comments-7120