Residents push back on a $2 billion data center proposal on Indy’s east side

A Georgia-based developer, DC Blox, is proposing a $2 billion data center campus on Indianapolis's east side, specifically at the corner of South Kitley Avenue and the Pennsy Trail, on the site of a former Ford factory. The project, which would include three buildings totaling 420,000 square feet, requires up to 78 megawatts of electricity and 56 backup generators. Many Warren Township residents expressed strong opposition at a community meeting, raising concerns about power use, noise, water consumption, and the health and environmental impact of developing on a brownfield site. Residents also voiced frustration over what they perceive as a lack of meaningful community input on major projects.

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Michael-Paul Hart, representing the district, has not yet decided whether to support the DC Blox development, noting that he previously opposed a Google data center project in Franklin Township that was later withdrawn. DC Blox representatives answered questions for over three hours, presenting their vision as a long-term community investment and pledging an annual contribution to the Parks Alliance of Indianapolis for trail stewardship.

The proposal is scheduled for review by the Metropolitan Development Commission's hearing examiner on June 11 at the Indianapolis City-County Building, where a recommendation will be made to the commission. Notably, the developer's request for a variance of use, rather than a rezoning, means the City-County Council cannot use a "call-down" process to override the commission's decision, placing direct pressure on residents to persuade the commission.