After 4-hour Fiery Hearing, Data Center Near Irvington Moves Forward
A proposed three-building data center campus by DC BLOX in Indianapolis received a recommendation for approval from a hearing examiner, despite significant opposition from local residents concerned about noise, pollution, and utility demands. The project's approval is contingent on whether neighbors file an appeal, which would send the final decision to the Metropolitan Development Commission.
A planned three-building data center campus by Atlanta-based DC BLOX in Indianapolis, located at 305 Fintail Drive near Irvington, has advanced following a four-hour public hearing. Judy Weerts Hall, the Metropolitan Development Commission Hearing Examiner, recommended approval for the project, provided no appeal is filed by concerned residents. The site, part of the Thunderbird Commerce Center, has been zoned for industrial use since 1956, but data centers are not explicitly listed as an acceptable use, necessitating city approval.
Neighbors expressed strong opposition, citing concerns over potential noise and air pollution, high electricity and water consumption, and a perceived lack of transparency from DC BLOX. Sue Beecher, president of the Irvington Community Council, stated that DC BLOX's efforts to address community fears have been "performative only." DC BLOX leadership, including CEO Jeff Uphues, and their attorney Mindy Westrick Brown, maintain that the $2 billion project aligns with the area's industrial zoning and redevelopment plans for the former Ford auto plant site. AES, the local utility, reportedly confirmed capacity to service the property with "minor updates.
Divisions exist among city-county councilors, with Michael-Paul Hart remaining neutral on the project's potential tax revenue benefits, while Andy Nielsen, representing Irvington, openly opposed it due to community concerns about utility constraints and the developer's community engagement. The Department of Metropolitan Development is currently developing a new zoning code for data centers, but this project will not be subject to those upcoming regulations. A non-binding memo from the City-County Council had previously called for a pause on data center developments. If an appeal is filed, the final decision will rest with the Metropolitan Development Commission, with a vote anticipated by July 1.