About 30 people stood in front of the City-County Building on Monday evening chanting, “Go away, Google.” Men, women and children held signs denouncing the tech company’s plans to build a massive data center on Indianapolis’ south side.
The same crowd cheered and whooped later, when the 25-member City-County Council voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on the rezoning of 467 acres for Google’s project. A bipartisan coalition of 17 councilors have released public statements stating their opposition to the project. Just 15 council votes are needed to override the rezoning, which was authorized Aug. 20 by the Metropolitan Development Commission.
If councilors opt to vote against the rezoning on Sept. 22, Google’s $1 billion-plus plan for the development would be halted for the near future.
The vote, initiated by Republican Councilor Michael-Paul Hart, sets a Sept. 22 public hearing before the full council. During the planned hearing, both the petitioners and opposition are expected to have the opportunity to speak. Councilors would vote on the rezoning after that testimony.
Neighbors concerned about the development’s potential environmental impact and utility use formed a group called “Protect Franklin Township.” That group has a petition opposed to the project that has netted more than 7,000 signatures and recently invested in digital billboard ads across Marion County.
Andrew Filler, an organizer and engineer who held a megaphone at the rally, lives across the street from the planned development site. He said the work he’s done to oppose the project over the last six months has been like a second full-time job.
“These are really bad for the community,” Filler said about data centers. “Cities and townships everywhere just seem to suffer when they get put in.”
Google’s site, currently urban farmland, is generally bounded by South Post Road to the west, Davis Road to the east, Troy Avenue to the north and Interstate 74 and Vandergriff Road to the south. Construction could start by the end of this year.
Anne Van Arsdel lives less than two miles away from the site. She said she noticed signs in her neighbor’s yards about two weeks ago and became concerned.
“Are you kidding me?” she said, talking about Google’s proposition, “Thirty to 50 jobs. You’re going to take the last area where our community can grow. You’re not going to provide jobs, you’re not going to provide revenue and taxes. You’re going to increase my [electricity] rates, and you’re probably going to make my house unlivable by stealing all my water.”
According to plans, the site would be able to accommodate up to four buildings, with the first expected to be completed by late 2030. It will employ up to 50 people. Initial plans for the project indicate the facility could employ up to 400 once the campus is fully developed.
Filler, who held a megaphone at the rally, noted that the final vote is still two weeks away. He said the group intended to hold those who have committed to voting against the project to their word.
The most recent councilor to announce opposition to the data center is east-side Democrat Keith Graves. He posted a statement to social media earlier Monday that alluded to environmental concerns and an interest in greater job creation.
“Our city deserves development that strengthens neighborhoods, protects our environment, and creates real, lasting opportunities for residents,” Graves’ statement said.