Residents push back on a $2 billion data center proposal on Indianapolis's east side
Residents in Warren Township, Indianapolis, are expressing strong opposition to a proposed $2 billion data center campus by DC Blox, raising concerns about power use, noise, water consumption, and environmental impact. The project involves three buildings and up to 56 backup generators on a former Ford factory site, with a key hearing scheduled for June 11.
Residents of Warren Township on Indianapolis's east side are voicing strong skepticism regarding a proposed $2 billion data center campus from Georgia-based developer DC Blox. At a recent community meeting, attendees held signs reading "Block DC Blox" and raised concerns about the project's potential strain on the power grid, increased utility bills, noise from 56 backup generators, and water consumption.
The proposed campus, slated for a former Ford factory site, would encompass three buildings totaling 420,000 square feet and consume up to 78 megawatts of electricity. Residents also highlighted worries about the health and environmental impact of disturbing contaminated soil at the brownfield site. Julie Watson, a resident, expressed frustration that such projects often proceed despite community opposition, a sentiment echoed by other attendees.
Indianapolis City-County Councilor Michael-Paul Hart, representing the district, has not yet decided on the DC Blox development, though he previously opposed a Google data center project in Franklin Township, which was later withdrawn. The DC Blox proposal is now awaiting review by the Metropolitan Development Commission's hearing examiner on June 11, who will make a recommendation to the commission. Due to the developer's request for a variance of use, the City-County Council will not have the power to override the commission's decision, making direct persuasion of the commission crucial for opponents.