Indianapolis residents protest proposed data center at heated meeting
Indianapolis residents strongly opposed Metrobloks' approved data center project in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood during a heated community meeting. The Metropolitan Development Commission is considering tax breaks for the project, while residents have filed a lawsuit seeking to block construction.
Residents of Indianapolis' Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood criticized the approved Metrobloks data center at a community meeting Wednesday. The facility is planned for a vacant lot near 25th Street and Sherman Drive, the site of a former drive-in theater. Metrobloks and supporters say the project would create jobs, generate tax revenue and provide community benefits.
Indy Economic Development has negotiated nearly $56 million in property and equipment tax breaks for Metrobloks, while a potential tenant could receive up to $339 million in equipment-related savings. The Metropolitan Development Commission is scheduled to consider the incentives on Oct. 21. State Sen. La Keisha Jackson said residents oppose the project because they believe it is advancing without meaningful community approval, and a group of Martindale-Brightwood residents has filed a lawsuit to stop construction.