Indianapolis east side data center wins approval, despite community opposition
The Metropolitan Development Commission in Indianapolis approved a data center proposal by DC Blox on the city's east side, despite significant community opposition. The approval is final as it was a use variance, not a rezoning petition. Separately, a City-County Council committee has introduced a draft moratorium on data centers through 2027 in Marion County.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission has approved a proposal by Georgia-based developer DC Blox to construct a data center on the city's east side. This decision came despite strong community opposition from residents of the Warren Township area, including Irvington, who organized protests and submitted negative feedback. The commission's approval, pertaining to a use variance, is considered final for the project.
DC Blox had initially proposed a $2 billion campus but scaled it back to two buildings and fewer diesel generators after community pushback. Local City-County Councilors are divided on the project; Andy Nielsen opposed it citing community dissent, while Michael-Paul Hart supported it due to potential tax base increases and infrastructure funding.
Concurrently, a City-County Council committee recently introduced draft language for a data center moratorium in Marion County through 2027. During the commission meeting, Councilor Jesse Brown requested the moratorium be approved, but Commission President John Dillon deferred, stating they would await the council's amendment.
Opponents, including Irvington Community School Board member Eric Serrano, criticized the commission's decision, arguing it ignored community interests and approved an inappropriate use for land near an elementary school.