Community seeks answers ahead of planned DC BLOX data center
Community members in Irvington, Indianapolis, are actively opposing a proposed DC BLOX data center, citing environmental and historical concerns. A community meeting was held to voice opposition and prepare for upcoming city council hearings, where a zoning variance for the project and a potential moratorium on data centers will be discussed.
Residents of Irvington, a neighborhood on Indianapolis's east side, are actively opposing a planned DC BLOX data center. A community meeting, organized by East Side Community Action at Irvington Presbyterian Church, provided a forum for residents to voice their concerns and ask questions ahead of upcoming city hearings.
Mikey Hess, coordinator for East Side Community Action, highlighted environmental impacts as the primary concern, specifically mentioning water and air quality. Other residents, like Jackson Clark and Alex McFarland, expressed fury over the project, fearing a loss of Irvington's historical charm and urging strategic action beyond online complaints. Hess, while completely opposing the project, stated that if it were to be built, it should bring more money to the community and include green space, aiming for the facility to be "invisible."
Upcoming city meetings are critical for the project's fate. The City County council Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee will review the Metropolitan Development Commission's proposed zoning framework for data centers. During this meeting, Councilor Maggie Lewis is expected to introduce an amendment proposing a moratorium on data center approvals. Following this, the Metropolitan Development Commission will hold a final hearing to discuss a zoning variance specifically for the DC BLOX data center on Indy's East Side.