In response to the Middletown biodiesel plant development, The Herald Bulletin conducted a brief survey with some neighbors who opened their doors and consented to be interviewed. Developers from Fishers bought a five-acre plot on Middletown’s northwest side on Indiana 236. It’s directly across the street from the homes and neighborhood of the people below.



Walt Robbins, 62

Moved to Middletown in 2001

Q: When did you find out the plant was going to be there? Who told you?

A: About a month and a half ago. They had a meeting of the neighbors to inform us. The developer and the land owner were both there. Norfleet’s the one who sold the land. The county planning commission was there. It was very informative.

Q: How do you feel about the biodiesel plant being in Middletown?

A: I think it’s great as long as it lives up to their promises — it could be nothing but positive for the area.

Q: How do you think it will affect traffic and the looks of the area?

A: They claim they would only have about 10 trucks a day. The entrance for these trucks is about two houses down so it won’t affect us. It might affect those neighbors closer to the entrance. As for looks when we bought this we knew it was a commercial development so we expected it.

Q: Do you think you’ll ever use biodiesel, ethanol or another alternative fuel?

A: Well, an alternative fuel maybe but not biodiesel. Ethanol possibly if it becomes available.

Q: What do you think about the efforts to develop alternative fuels?

A: I think it’s fantastic. We need more of it. The manufacturers need to provide more alternative energy vehicles.

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Susan Collins, 57

Has lived in Middletown for more than 20 years

Q: When did you find out it was going to be there? Who told you?

A: Just now. You did. I see how well I am keeping up with the news around here. Although, my husband probably knew.

Q: How do you feel about the biodiesel plant being in Middletown?

A: I haven’t really had time to even think about it. If it were to bring work to the town that would be great. As far as pollutants are concerned, I think we have enough around here with the gas station across the street. We’ve got a lot of elderly people around here and you never know what health problems could come up. I’m all in favor of progress but sometimes there’s just too much.

Q: How do you think it will affect traffic and the looks of the area?

A: Well if there’s a lot of trucks going up and down here it’s not going to beautify the area. It’s going to be more industrial. When we moved here it was all corn fields but not anymore. And there’s still people who have to cross the highway to get their mail.

Q: Do you think you’ll ever use biodiesel, ethanol or another alternative fuel?

A: I can’t say yes or no on that because I’m probably on my last car, and I’m not going to get it converted. But I can see how it can benefit the future and economy.

Q: What do you think about the efforts to develop alternative fuels?

A: I think it’s good so we’re not so dependent on foreign countries. Especially when I sit here every day and see gas prices going up and down and up and down.

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Drake Roberts, 48

His family has been in Middletown since 1973

Q: When did you find out it was going to be there? Who told you?

A: When Kenny Norfleet talked to us about coming over for an informational session.

Q: How do you feel about the biodiesel plant being in Middletown?

A: I’m not crazy about it. Everybody else was all like, “12 jobs? That’s great!” But I work for a place in Indy, and it’s a starch factory. I don’t want to come home to my neighborhood and be at another factory.

Q: How do you think it will affect traffic and the looks of the area?

A: From what they said the look of it shouldn’t be too bad. They said all their machines are going to be inside buildings, but the traffic’s going to be substantially busier — they said up to 30 trucks once the production is running at full blast.

Q: Do you think you’ll ever use biodiesel, ethanol or another alternative fuel?

A: Not biodiesel. I don’t have anything diesel. (As for ethanol) There’s a possibility — right now I don’t know. I’m not opposed to it or anything.

Q: What do you think about the efforts to develop alternative fuels?

A: I think it’s good. I think we need something to take our dependence away from crude oil and fossil fuels.