Hobart delays final approval of Amazon data center plat

The Hobart Plan Commission has postponed final plat approval for the extensive Amazon Web Services data center project, awaiting minor revisions related to site improvements, particularly the recording of a legal description for a pedestrian walkway along 61st Avenue. The Commission expects to grant approval at its next meeting in October, having already provided preliminary approval.

The 723-acre development spans two parcels: a 555-acre site known as Hobart Tech Park owned by Amazon, and a 168-acre Ewen Farm property that Amazon will lease. Construction work, including land grading and temporary buildings, has already commenced, alongside the development of a permanent NIPSCO substation. City officials, including Plan Commission President David Vinzant, have praised Amazon's cooperation in meeting city demands, such as constructing earthen berms to mitigate sound and aesthetic impacts.

Public opposition to the project has been significant, marked by a contentious five-hour Plan Commission meeting in May where preliminary plat approval was granted amidst an arrest. While a recent September meeting saw minimal public attendance, Mayor Josh Huddlestun has actively worked to alleviate community concerns by highlighting project benefits, including a $47 million upfront payment from Amazon that funds energy-saving grants for Hobart homeowners.

A critical outstanding issue is an air permit application filed by Ramboll on Amazon’s behalf with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The application details plans for 808 emergency backup diesel generators, collectively providing 2,119 megawatts of power, and storing over 5.46 million gallons of diesel fuel across the facility's two locations.