Indianapolis clergy oppose Metrobloks data center, file civil complaint

Clergy and residents in Indianapolis's Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood are actively opposing the proposed Metrobloks data center at 25th Street and Sherman Drive, despite the project having already cleared all city legislative approval hurdles. Reverend Fitzhugh Lee Lyons Jr. of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church and Reverend Annettra Jones of Scott United Methodist Church, along with others, voiced concerns on Thursday about rising utility costs for residents and churches, significant noise issues, and the visual impact of the 70-foot-high, 150,000-square-foot facility, calling it an "eyesore."

The opposition group is particularly critical of the use of public funds for an incentive package, arguing that financial promises to the neighborhood are minimal compared to the problems the data center will create. They also highlight equity concerns, questioning why their neighborhood was chosen and demanding transparency on how risks and benefits are weighed. The clergy have urged Mayor Joe Hogsett to stop the project, believing his intervention could halt it. However, they report that Mayor Hogsett has denied multiple requests to meet with them, instead directing them to other city administration officials.

In response to inquiries from 13News, a city spokesperson stated that it is inappropriate for the City to discuss the proposed development while litigation is pending, and affirmed that opportunities for public comment exist for any proposed development or incentives package. Opponents have filed a civil complaint seeking a judicial review of the zoning approval process.