Vote passes to build new data center in Decatur Township

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission recently approved the construction of a new data center campus in Decatur Township with a 7-1 vote. This decision came after months of extensive debate, which included community concerns regarding environmental impact, land value depreciation, economic effects, and potential health risks. The Sabi Corporation is slated to build two facilities near State Road 67 and Camby Road. John Hooker, representing the Central Indiana Building Trades Council, expressed support for the project, highlighting its potential to generate hundreds of short-term and long-term jobs within the Indianapolis area. Conversely, a strong opposition voice came from the founder of 'Protect Decatur Township,' who indicated that despite the commission's approval, their fight against the data center development is far from over. The founder pledged to continue advocating for the community's future. The swift approval process for the project was partly attributed to the fact that the land in question was already designated for light industrial use. This zoning status meant the developer only needed a petition for a minor change in use rather than undergoing a full rezoning vote, thereby expediting the development's progression.