A data center developer is promising to be a good neighbor. Not all Far Eastsiders are sold
DC Blox is proposing a new data center campus on Indianapolis's far east side, making 20 commitments to address community concerns regarding power use, noise, water consumption, and environmental impacts on a brownfield site. Despite these pledges, many residents remain skeptical and local councilors are divided, as the project awaits a final vote from the Metropolitan Development Commission.
DC Blox, a Georgia-based data center developer, is facing skepticism from residents on the far east side of Indianapolis as it proposes a new data campus. The company has issued a 20-point list of commitments, including pledges to cover 100% of utility costs, contribute to the Pennsy Trail, enroll in AES's green power program, use a closed-loop cooling system, and avoid drawing groundwater.
Residents, including lifetime eastsider Mikey Hess, have expressed distrust and raised concerns at public meetings regarding potential impacts on power usage, noise, water consumption, and health and environmental risks from disturbing contaminated soil at the brownfield site. They worry that the development will proceed regardless of community sentiment.
The project has received a recommendation from the Metropolitan Development Commission’s hearing examiner and now moves to the full commission for a final vote. Meanwhile, the Department of Metropolitan Development is considering stricter requirements for data centers within Marion County, with a formal vote on these new rules repeatedly delayed. The proposed campus, located at South Kitley Avenue and the Pennsy Trail, would encompass three buildings totaling up to 420,000 square feet, potentially consuming 78 megawatts of electricity and utilizing 56 backup generators.
Support from Indianapolis City-County councilors is split. Councilor Michael-Paul Hart supports the project, viewing the commitments as a meaningful step, while Councilor Andy Nielsen opposes it due to significant pushback from his constituents, citing a negative cost-benefit analysis for his district.