Residents of Decatur Township, located in Indianapolis, are voicing significant opposition to a proposed data center that will proceed without a City-County Council vote. The project, spearheaded by data center developer Sabey, plans to establish two large facilities near Camby Road and Kentucky Avenue. Since the land is already zoned for industrial use within the Decatur Technology Park, the project does not require a rezoning, which limits the council’s involvement. Instead, developers are pursuing a variance, placing the decision in the hands of the city’s Metropolitan Development Commission and a hearing examiner.
During a recent meeting of the Decatur Township Civic Council, residents had the opportunity to question John Sabey, CEO of Sabey. Many expressed their frustrations, particularly focusing on concerns regarding utilities and infrastructure. One resident confronted Sabey directly, stating, “You cannot fool me with that lingo,” amidst a line of speakers eager to share their views.
Sabey defended the project, claiming it could generate over $20 million annually in property tax revenue once fully operational and create hundreds of jobs. “They can either believe us or not believe us,” Sabey said. “But we’re trying to do the best thing for this community and for us, and this project and hopefully everybody hears that.”
Despite these assurances, opposition has solidified around broader issues, particularly rising electric bills and the strain on local infrastructure. Members of the grassroots organization Protect Decatur Township have highlighted these concerns as unifying factors for residents across the township. Emma Hart, a member of the group, noted, “It seems like electric bills are the main point of concern for people. 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, aimed to facilitate direct communication between residents, developers, and local officials, acknowledging the strong emotions surrounding the proposal. Unlike other recent data center projects in the Indianapolis area that mandated City-County Council approval due to zoning changes, this particular proposal’s existing industrial zoning limits the council’s role significantly.
As the project moves forward, it is slated for further consideration by the Metropolitan Development Commission, with a vote scheduled for January 29. The outcome of this proposal could have lasting implications for the community, both in terms of economic benefits and the potential strain on local resources.
