Granger

Although Microsoft isn't seeking a property tax break, St. Joseph County economic development director Bill Schalliol says the county is still asking the tech giant to pay for new water and sewer lines to spur growth in Granger beyond the data center.

Microsoft will soon start building a data center in Granger northeast of Capital Avenue and Cleveland Road.

Microsoft on Tuesday will host an open house at South Bend's Century Center, with information stations on issues related to its plans to soon start building its Granger data center.

Indiana Department of Transportation officials say they're confident they can slow down State Road 23 traffic as it approaches the roundabout, with reduced speed limits and channelization measures like curbing.

Granger residents have a chance to weigh in on a proposed roundabout. It would be located at State Road 23’s east intersection with Adams Road.

The St. Joseph County Parks Board this week received contractor bids that were within the planned budget, and they expect to finish the park by December.

A zoning board recommends approval of a permit for a home-based firearms business in Granger. Neighbors raised safety concerns as the proposal heads to county council.

Statewide advocates for electric ratepayers and the environment came to Granger Wednesday night to talk about the data center that Microsoft will start building this summer. They urged Microsoft to be more transparent and they called on St. Joseph County officials to watch out for constituents as they negotiate a development agreement.

Urban planning expert and St. Joseph County Council candidate Jan Cervelli says even though the council already has approved the rezoning Microsoft needs for its Granger data center, the company should be transparent in how the center is developed.

St. Joseph County Council member Amy Drake says the county gave Amazon too many incentives and tax breaks for its data center near New Carlisle, so she's glad Microsoft won't seek a property tax abatement when it starts building a data center near Granger this year.