Google Moves Forward with Indianapolis Data Center Despite Local Pushback

This article was originally shared on WFYI. By FARRAH ANDERSON A chorus of “Sellouts!” and pronounced boos filled the City-County Building on Wednesday as Indianapolis development officials cast an 8-1 vote to progress Google’s ambitious data center proposal in Franklin Township. This decision represents yet another hurdle for local residents who have voiced opposition for months, citing concerns over water consumption, energy requirements, environmental repercussions, and noise pollution. The rezoning request will now be reviewed by the City-County Council, which is set to deliver a conclusive verdict by late September. As the process continues, community members will have diminished opportunity to engage in negotiations concerning concessions from Google. Similar disputes are occurring across Indiana, including in Morgan County, where locals resist a zoning change for farmland in Monrovia, and in Boone County, where a 1,500-acre Meta data center proposal recently advanced after gaining local planning approval. Brittany York, a nearby resident, expressed her anxiety regarding the potential new neighbor. "We want clarity on what we’re facing before we lose our ability to resist,” she stated. Councilor Michael-Paul Hart also voiced his objections, highlighting that the data center would occupy over 450 acres but yield fewer benefits compared to different developments....

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