URGENT UPDATE: A proposed data center in Decatur Township, Indianapolis, is igniting fierce opposition from local residents, who are alarmed by the potential impact on utilities and infrastructure. The project, spearheaded by Sabey, is moving forward without a vote from the Indianapolis City-County Council, raising significant concerns among community members.
The plan involves two large facilities located near Camby Road and Kentucky Avenue, which are already zoned for industrial use under the Decatur Technology Park designation. This zoning allows the developers to bypass council approval, instead seeking a variance from the Metropolitan Development Commission and a hearing examiner, intensifying fears about the lack of local oversight.
Residents gathered at a Decatur Township Civic Council meeting on Thursday evening, where tensions flared as they confronted Sabey CEO John Sabey directly. “You cannot fool me with that lingo,” one attendee asserted during a heated exchange. The line of speakers stretched across the auditorium, illustrating the strong emotions surrounding the proposal.
Sabey attempted to reassure attendees, stating that the data center could generate over $20 million annually in property tax revenue and create hundreds of jobs. “They can either believe us or not believe us,” he remarked, emphasizing the company’s intent to benefit both the community and the region.
However, for many residents, the debate transcends economic benefits. Members of the grassroots organization Protect Decatur Township express that rising electric bills and potential infrastructure strain are unifying concerns among community members. “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 served as a platform for residents to voice their concerns directly to developers and local officials. Township leaders acknowledged the heightened emotions surrounding the proposal, which starkly differs from other recent data center initiatives in Indianapolis that required council approval due to zoning changes.
As the project moves forward to the Metropolitan Development Commission and a hearing examiner, a critical vote is scheduled for January 29. Residents are left anxiously watching as the future of their community hangs in the balance.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops and community voices continue to rise against the proposed data center.
