Indy-Area Data Center Approved

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission has approved plans for a $4 billion, 900,000-square-foot data center proposed by Sabey in southwest Decatur Township, Indianapolis. The project, to be built on 130 acres, will house 250-megawatt facilities and utilize a closed-loop cooling system requiring one million gallons of water. The approval was for a land use variance, not a full rezoning, thus bypassing review by the Indianapolis City-County Council. Despite the approval, dozens of residents attended the meeting to voice strong opposition, citing concerns over potential environmental impacts, energy rate increases, and health risks. One resident called the decision "a slap in the face" and questioned the use of a variance, while several residents and local coalitions have pledged to continue their fight against the project. Sabey, a Washington-based company, aims to begin site preparation this year, with the first building completed by 2028. To address community concerns, the company plans to introduce 200-foot buffer zones along residential property lines and intends to invest $5 million in community improvements, in addition to an estimated $20 million in projected tax revenues. Jon Hooker, president of the Central Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, expressed enthusiasm for the project's long-term job creation benefits for the construction industry and the city.