Fort Wayne residents voice environmental concerns about Google data center expansion
Residents near Google’s data center in Fort Wayne gathered with the Protect Allen County Coalition to oppose a permit application for 228 additional diesel generators and raise concerns about wetlands, air pollution, noise, traffic and land impacts. Organizers also criticized the Fort Wayne City Council for rejecting proposed data center restrictions, including a moratorium and a local review commission.
Residents living near Google’s data center on Adams Center Road in Fort Wayne gathered at a Protect Allen County Coalition event to discuss the facility’s proposed expansion and its effects on nearby neighborhoods. PACC organizer Danielle Doepke said Google had applied to add 228 diesel generators, while residents cited concerns about air pollution, noise, traffic, construction activity, wetlands and possible environmental law violations.
Homeowners said cranes, truck traffic, lighting and continuous humming have disrupted their properties and raised safety concerns. Doepke also said a proposed data center moratorium and a local review commission could have addressed residents’ concerns, but both measures were rejected by a majority of the Fort Wayne City Council. The coalition plans to continue organizing around the project and broader environmental and land-use issues in Allen County.