ABC57 spoke with Microsoft representative, rally organizer ahead of community meeting and protest

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- Protestors lined the sidewalk in front of the Century Center an hour before Microsoft's community meeting.

There were at least a dozen protestors in South Bend Tuesday afternoon, lining the sidewalk before and during Microsoft's community meeting. The purpose of the open house style meeting was to allow Hoosiers to learn about the data center they plan to bring to St. Joe Farms property in Granger.

Jonathan Noble, Microsoft representative, says this data center can benefit the community.

"By creating standards for development, we feel that there are benefits to the community in terms of jobs, in terms of revenue for local services, things of that nature," said Noble.

However, many are still concerned which has led to the creation of Facebook groups like Stop Data in St Joseph County and the crowd of people right outside Tuesday afternoon's event.

ABC57 asked if Noble and Microsoft as a whole understand the concerns Hoosiers have.

"People have questions around this development, those are fair questions. Part of the reason why we’re here is to be able to hear those questions, be able to respond to them with what we know at this time and that helps form our decisions going forward."

Rally organizer and one of the faces behind "Stop Data in St Joseph County", Todd Robertson, says he's fighting for not only his health, but his neighbors too. He says one of his biggest concerns is with gas turbines which are used to power the facility or used as backup generators.

"These gas-powered generators, they release toxic commissions at ground level that contain toxic emissions and they are linked to cancer, emphysema, miscarriages," Robertson explained.

With one Microsoft data center checked off their list, the question weighing heavy on Hoosiers' minds is how many more?

“What we are finding is that the U.S. demand for this type of critical infrastructure is only increasing. Where that is located will depend on where that demand is being generated. At this point, we have no further plans, but you know, what the future holds are impossible to determine," Noble shared.