Sabey Data Centers plan data center spanning about 18 football fields for prevails despite outcry from Indianapolis southsiders

The Metropolitan Development Commission in Indianapolis overwhelmingly approved Sabey Data Centers' plan to build a massive data center on the city's southwest side, despite strong objections from approximately 90 residents. The project, spanning over one million square feet and projected to consume 250 megawatts of power, faced opposition over fears of pollution, negative health impacts, and decreased property values. Pat Andrews, who chairs the Decatur Township Civic Council's land use committee, testified against the development, arguing it would compromise the community's quality of life and create fewer jobs than residents desire. Local grassroots organization Protect Decatur Township had previously urged local leaders to oppose or delay the vote, seeking time for the City-County Council to implement data center regulations, but these efforts were unsuccessful. City-County Council member Josh Bain, who represents the area and has been in negotiations with Sabey, apologized to residents who felt let down, but stated he would not support a project he believed was truly harmful. He cited a visit to a Sabey data center in Round Rock, Texas, where he observed no noise pollution. Conversely, around 75 residents, including members of the Central Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, supported the project. Jon Hooker, president of the council, highlighted the promise of over 1,000 construction jobs with annual salaries around $105,200 for six to ten years, offering more stability than typical short-term construction work. Sabey also projects 180 long-term employees with annual salaries of about $101,500. A key point of contention is the zoning. The 130-acre site was previously rezoned for light industrial facilities as part of the Decatur Technology Park. Sabey's current project requires only "adjustments to the property" rather than a complete rezoning, allowing it to bypass direct approval from the City-County Council. Randi Berryman of Protect Decatur Township criticized this as "Industrial-2 zoning being bent to justify uses it was not clearly written to allow." While the facility was approved, the city still needs to sign off on tax incentives, including Sabey's request for a 50% property tax abatement, which is expected to be discussed at a future Metropolitan Development Commission meeting. Doug Brown, an attorney for Indianapolis Economic Development Inc., supports the tax incentive package.