Charlestown votes yes on new data center after public hearing
The Charlestown City Council in Indiana approved a 5-megawatt data center project after a public hearing, voting 4-3 in favor. The facility is expected to use power equivalent to a large hospital and a closed cooling system. The council also announced plans to consider a moratorium on future data center developments at its upcoming meeting.
After a public hearing held on Monday, July 20, the Charlestown City Council in Indiana voted 4-3 to approve a proposed 5-megawatt data center. The facility is slated for Cristiani Parkway within the Shadow Lake Business Park.
During the community forum, residents learned that the single-story data center would span approximately 55,000 square feet and operate 24/7, making it energy-intensive. It is estimated to consume electricity equivalent to a large hospital or 3,000-5,000 homes, with an annual power bill of around $3 million. The project also includes a closed cooling system designed to circulate water equivalent to three backyard pools. The council determined that the proposed center met the requirements for light industrial zoning.
Following the approval, the Charlestown City Council stated its intention to consider a moratorium for future data center projects at its next meeting.