UPDATE: A proposed data center in Decatur Township is igniting fierce opposition from residents, who are voicing concerns over utility costs and infrastructure strain. Notably, this contentious development is moving forward without a vote from the Indianapolis City-County Council, raising alarm among local citizens.
Sabey, the developer behind the project, plans to construct two large facilities near Camby Road and Kentucky Avenue. Due to the property’s existing industrial zoning within the Decatur Technology Park, the proposal is bypassing council approval, leading residents to feel sidelined in the decision-making process. Instead, the Metropolitan Development Commission and a hearing examiner will determine the project’s fate.
At a heated town hall meeting on Thursday, residents confronted Sabey CEO John Sabey, expressing their frustrations directly. “You cannot fool me with that lingo,” one resident declared during a tense exchange, as the crowd filled the auditorium. Sabey countered that the project could generate over $20 million annually in property tax revenue and create hundreds of jobs, asserting that it would ultimately benefit the community.
However, for many residents, the stakes extend beyond economic benefits. Members of the grassroots organization Protect Decatur Township are uniting against the proposal, citing rising electric bills and infrastructure concerns as key issues. “It seems like electric bills are the main point of concern for people,” said Emma Hart, a member of the group. “That’s really united people across Decatur Township. People have already seen rising utilities over the course of the last couple of years.”
The meeting, hosted by township leaders, was intended to provide a platform for residents to voice their concerns directly to developers and local officials. Acknowledging the strong emotions surrounding the proposal, local leaders emphasized the need for community dialogue.
Unlike other recent data center projects in Indianapolis that required council approval due to zoning changes, this proposal’s industrial zoning limits the council’s role, leaving residents feeling powerless. The project is set to move forward with a vote scheduled for January 29, marking a critical date for community advocates and opponents alike.
Residents are urged to stay informed as this developing situation unfolds, with the potential to significantly impact the local community’s financial and environmental landscape. As the debate heats up, the future of Decatur Township hangs in the balance, and community voices are more important than ever.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and share your thoughts on how the proposed data center could affect your community.
