Indianapolis residents voice opposition to proposed data center at heated meeting
Indianapolis residents strongly opposed Metrobloks’ approved data center project in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood at a community meeting. Residents have filed a lawsuit seeking to block construction, while the Metropolitan Development Commission is set to consider tax breaks for the project.
Residents of Indianapolis’ Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood voiced strong opposition to a proposed Metrobloks data center during a meeting at the Frederick Douglass Family Center. The project, planned for a vacant former drive-in theater lot near 25th Street and Sherman Drive, received approval from city officials in April.
Metrobloks and Indy Economic Development say the facility would create jobs, generate tax revenue and provide $22.5 million in community commitments. Indy Economic Development has negotiated nearly $56 million in property and equipment tax breaks for the developer, while a potential tenant could receive up to $339 million in equipment-related savings.
State Sen. La Keisha Jackson criticized the project for moving forward without community support. A group of Martindale-Brightwood residents has filed a lawsuit to block construction, and the Metropolitan Development Commission is scheduled to consider the proposed tax incentives on Oct. 21.