City councilor backs Big Tech as his neighbors lose data center fight

The Metropolitan Development Commission has given its overwhelming approval for Sabey Data Centers to construct a hyperscale data center in Decatur Township, on the southwest side of Indianapolis. This decision comes despite months of protests from approximately 90 residents, organized by groups such as Protect Decatur Township, who voiced concerns over potential pollution, adverse health effects, and decreased property values. The proposed facility, slated to be over one million square feet and consume 250 megawatts of power over five years, has been a contentious issue. Opponents, including Pat Andrews of the Decatur Township Civic Council's land use committee, argued that the development would negatively impact the community's quality of life and provide fewer high-paying jobs than initially promised by the broader Decatur Technology Park plan. Residents also cited a prior success in Franklin Township where community opposition led Google to withdraw a data center proposal, but noted that Decatur Township residents would not have the same recourse due to the project's existing industrial zoning. Conversely, the project received strong backing from labor organizations like the Central Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, which highlighted the creation of over 1,000 construction jobs with annual salaries around $105,200. City-County councilor Josh Bain, representing the area, defended his support for the project, citing his belief that it would not be harmful to the community after touring similar Sabey facilities. He also noted Sabey's claims that the facility would generate significant property tax revenue for local services, projected at least $10 million over the next decade. While the zoning has been approved, a separate discussion on a 50% property tax abatement requested by Sabey Data Centers is expected at a future Metropolitan Development Commission meeting.