WARSAW, Ind. (WANE) -- Dozens of residents packed into a Kosciusko County Courthouse room Wednesday and watched the county's Area Plan Commission (APC) voted against a proposed data center that garnered plenty of opinions from both sides. The APC, which consists of eight members who represent var ious entities in Kosciusko County, unanimously voted against the data center. The proposal will go before the Kosciusko County Board of Commissioners April 22 for final approval. The data center would be located northwest of Leesburg and would take up 554 acres. Citizens both for and against the data center made their voices known during Wednesday's meeting. Opponents of the data center cited a bevy of issues ranging from traffic concerns, light pollution, loss of agriculture and how much water and electricity the data center would require. "I was concerned about the noise," said Kosciusko County farmer Karen Templin. "Being so close to it and affecting our lifestyle. I [want to] protect it for the generations to come. Most people that live out our way are generational farmers, and we want to hand our farm ground down to our next." Some speakers opposed to the data center argued that the project goes against the Plan Commission's comprehensive plan, which outlines a list of goals for the county: Ensures the safety, wellness and success of our local residents,employers and business owners. Provides for balanced, planned and orderly growth. Plans for effective public services and facilities. Creates and nurtures unique destinations for local and regionalenjoyment. Manages local resources and plans for continued reinvestmentthroughout the County. Members delineated after hearing from over 20 concerned Kosciusko residents and farmers. After denying the data center, the room erupted in applause from the majority of the crowd in attendance. "They heard their community," said Templin. "They listened and they stood by their plan that they put forth to protect our farm ground." On the other side, Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation President Margaret Friday spoke in favor of the data center, saying the data center could "create opportunities for future generations." "Together, this potential investment could significantly enhance our schools, roads and infrastructure, public safety, services and other essential community resources," Friday said. Steve Snyder, an attorney also in favor of the data center, said the proposal would produce a tax revenue of $200 million after abatement based on a tax revenue analysis that would run through 2029-2048. Snyder said that figure is a conservative estimate and there would be annual increases. The center would include ten facilities, with ten employees at each building. ...read more read less