Hobart data center opponents ask how $30M impact fund will be used
Opponents of an Amazon data center project in Hobart, Indiana, questioned the use of a newly adopted $30 million Community Impact Fund, which comes from an upfront payment by Amazon. Residents raised concerns about construction dust, water runoff, and increased truck traffic, even as city planners previously approved two site plans for the project despite public opposition. The fund's allocation will be further determined by the Board of Public Works and Safety.
The "No Data Centers Hobart" group and local residents voiced concerns about an $11 billion Amazon data center project in Hobart, Indiana, during a public hearing on a $30 million Community Impact Fund. This fund, adopted by the Hobart City Council, represents a portion of a $47 million upfront payment from Amazon Data Services.
Residents, including Barbara Koteles, shared photos of dust from the construction site, citing environmental and health worries, while Alice Pawlowski highlighted increased truck traffic and safety risks. City Councilman Matt Claussen, who chaired the meeting, explained the fund's categories, which include park improvements and residential impact grants, and noted that the Board of Public Works and Safety would determine specific expenditures.
Despite the ongoing opposition, the Hobart Plan Commission previously gave unanimous approval to two separate site plans for the Amazon Web Services data center. Attorney Todd Leeth also secured initial approval for a zone change request related to the project, which will return for final council approval.