UPDATE: A proposed data center in Decatur Township is igniting fierce opposition among residents as it advances without a crucial vote from the Indianapolis City-County Council. The project, led by data center developer Sabey, plans to establish two large facilities near Camby Road and Kentucky Avenue, raising urgent concerns about utilities and community impact.
Residents expressed their frustrations during a recent meeting with Sabey CEO John Sabey, where tensions ran high as community members questioned the project’s implications. “You cannot fool me with that lingo,” one resident declared, highlighting the palpable anxiety surrounding the development. As the proposal moves forward, it is set to bypass the elected council due to existing industrial zoning on the property, requiring only a variance from the Metropolitan Development Commission.
Sabey defended the project, claiming it could generate more than $20 million annually in property tax revenue and create hundreds of jobs. “We’re trying to do the best thing for this community,” Sabey stated, urging residents to consider the potential benefits. However, many locals, organized under the grassroots group Protect Decatur Township, argue that rising electric bills and infrastructure strain are significant concerns that overshadow the promised economic benefits.
“It seems like electric bills are the main point of concern for people,” said group member Emma Hart. “That’s really united people across Decatur Township.” The community’s fight comes as they face increasing utility costs, alarming residents who are already feeling the financial strain.
The Decatur Township Civic Council meeting was organized to give residents a platform to express their worries directly to developers and local officials. Unlike previous data center projects in Indianapolis that necessitated City-County Council approval, this proposal’s industrial zoning limits the council’s involvement, a fact that has escalated community unease.
As this developing story unfolds, the next critical date on the calendar is January 29, when a vote will be held by the Metropolitan Development Commission. Residents are anxious to see how their voices will impact the decision-making process, with many vowing to continue their opposition until their concerns are addressed.
Stay tuned for further updates as Decatur Township residents rally against the proposed data center, emphasizing the urgent need for transparency and accountability in local development projects.
