A Texas development company is ending its quest to build a $1.3 billion Data Center complex on the Brassie Golf Club property, citing opposition from Chesterton town officials.

Councilman Dane Lafata (D-District 3) made the announcement during Monday’s Town Council meeting, reading a letter from Attorney Gregory Babcock, who represented the landowners and developers.

PPM Chesterton LLC owns the 200 acres which includes a 163-acre golf course off Pearson Road. Provident Realty Advisors of Dallas, Tex. wanted to purchase the property and PPM Chesterton LLC had started proceedings to annex 71 acres into Chesterton.

Babcock’s letter states that Provident Realty is abandoning the project and the request to the town for annexation has been halted. A posting Friday by Town Council on its Facebook page prompted Provident Realty to stop its pursuit.

“It is clear that the Chesterton Town Council will not support this development. Provident Realty Advisors is disappointed in the outcome,” the letter states.

Town officials stated the PUD process could take six to nine months at a minimum and that Provident Realty would have to hold public meetings. It was also stated that the proposed height of the buildings – 80 feet comparable to almost two Hilton Garden Inns stacked on top of each other – was problematic.

One particular statement within the Town’s Facebook posting probably convinced Provident to withdraw.

“At its current scale, and especially at this location, the Town Council could never support this project. If the proposal were to receive any serious consideration, the number, size, and height of the buildings would need to be significantly reduced to fit the site, and all legitimate concerns expressed by the Town Council, the Plan Commission, and residents would need to be adequately addressed.”

Lafata said from his conversations with Provident, it was apparent the expectation was Chesterton would approve the project “without any changes,”

“That’s not how it’s going to get done in Chesterton,” Lafata said.

Council President James Ton (R-District 1) said he believes the statement made it clear that while the town welcomes economic development, “we will not give a free hand to any developer.”

Most residents who live near the Brassie Golf Club are breathing a sigh of relief.

Porter Town Councilman William Lopez, who lives in the Porter Cove subdivision close to Brassie Golf Club, thanked Chesterton officials for “doing their due diligence with this proposed development.” He noted it was important that any project be done by the town’s standard, not the developers.

After Provident Realty’s proposal was revealed during a May 16 Advisory Plan Commission meeting, resident opposition mobilized. Signs proclaiming “No Data Center” popped up on front lawns like spring dandelions.

There was a full house at the last Town Council meeting on May 28, with many expressing their grave concerns and opposition to the Data Center.

Ton said he believes that in some cases the comments crossed the line.

“It became clear to me we needed some decorum and civility in these meetings,” Ton said.

Councilwoman Jennifer Fisher (I-District 5) proposed that the Town Attorney come up with new rules to be approved for those who want to address the Town Council, and all the council members agreed.

Fisher also complimented town officials who had to field phone calls from some people asking questions about the project, “who lacked civility and knowledge about what’s going on.” She also thanked Kevin Nevers, the town’s public affairs liaison, for his help in crafting the council’s statement.

Councilwoman Erin Collins (D-District 2) also complimented Lafata for his work in communicating with Provident officials.