Residents leave data center meeting with more questions than answers
Residents of Indianapolis’ Martindale Brightwood neighborhood remain opposed to Metrobloks’ proposed data center near 25th Street and Sherman Drive. City officials are preparing to vote on a $56 million tax incentive package, including $22.5 million in promised community investments, at a public hearing on Oct. 21.
Metrobloks, a Los Angeles-based developer, is seeking a $56 million tax incentive package from Indianapolis for a proposed data center on the former Sherman Drive-In Theater site in Martindale Brightwood. The developer has offered $22.5 million for neighborhood infrastructure, parks and community grants, with $4.5 million provided upfront and $2 million annually for nine years.
Residents at an Oct. 7 community meeting questioned how the money would benefit the neighborhood and said they remain concerned about pollution, utility costs, limited permanent jobs and the project’s proximity to homes, a library and a grocery store. Community leaders including One Voice president Cierra Johnson and Rev. Denell Howard said officials and the developer have not adequately addressed residents’ opposition or concerns about the neighborhood’s history of environmental injustice.
Indy Economic Development president and CEO Andrea Richter-Garry said the community payment would fund eligible improvements rather than direct relocation assistance or payments to residents. The Metropolitan Development Commission is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on the tax abatements Oct. 21 at the City-County Building.