Indianapolis approves plan to build $4B data center in Decatur Township after months of pushback

The Metropolitan Development Commission in Indianapolis has approved a plan for a $4 billion, 130-acre data center proposed by Seattle-based developer Sabey in Decatur Township, Marion County. The decision comes after months of intense community pushback from local residents, who voiced concerns about potential impacts on noise levels, energy demand, water usage, and property values. A key point of contention has been the rezoning process itself, as Indiana currently lacks a formal rezoning designation specifically for data center development. Petitioners for the project argued that the existing industrial zoning for the site was appropriate. However, residents, including Pat Andrews, chair of the land use committee for the Decatur Township Civic Council, claimed that the developer deliberately avoided a full rezoning petition to prevent the city-county councilor from exercising their right to "call down" the petition and override the commission's vote. City-County Councilor Josh Bain, representing the district, acknowledged the community's concerns but ultimately pledged support for the development after securing what he described as "protections and commitments." Despite the approval, resident Pat Andrews reiterated that the development is too close to residential homes and does not align with the community's wishes, describing the situation in Indianapolis as "unconscionable" for multiple townships.