Jeffersonville data center zoning explained: How Meta got approved
The Meta data center in Jeffersonville, Indiana, nearing completion, is uniquely exempt from local zoning authority due to its location within the River Ridge Commerce Center, which has its own development control. This exemption means a recently enacted city moratorium on data centers does not affect the project, despite growing public opposition regarding environmental and utility concerns. The project, involving an $800 million investment, has received significant state and local incentives.
The Meta data center in Jeffersonville, Indiana, a roughly 700,000-square-foot facility, is nearing completion within the River Ridge Commerce Center, with some operations expected to begin this year. Despite growing opposition to data centers across Southern Indiana and a recently approved moratorium by the Jeffersonville City Council, the Meta project remains unaffected due to the River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) having ultimate zoning authority over the business park.
Then-Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore welcomed Meta Platforms, Inc.'s $800 million investment in early 2024, seeing it as a boost for the region. Marc Hildenbrand, executive director of the RRDA, confirmed the project's progress and revealed that initial discussions began before the COVID-19 pandemic, with the project known under the code name "Project Slugger" before Meta was identified.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation provided Meta with a 35-year sales tax exemption, extendable by five years for every additional $800 million investment, up to 50 years. The Jeffersonville City Council also approved a 35-year personal property tax exemption in 2022 and a development agreement with Blocke LLC, the entity behind the Meta project, which included a wastewater prioritization clause for the company.
Local residents, including Jeffersonville's Rachel Wurfel, have voiced increased opposition, citing concerns over noise, environmental impacts, potential utility changes, and home damage from construction. Hildenbrand, however, stated that Meta followed all permitting requirements, and a monitor showed blasting impacts were well below thresholds. He also noted that the River Ridge Commerce Center relies on a plentiful aquifer and has turned down other hyperscale data center proposals, deeming such facilities not the "highest and best use" for remaining land.