The Decatur Township Civic Council’s executive committee unanimously voted against building a data center on the southwest side of Indianapolis. The decision came a month before the full council is expected to vote on the proposal.
As of now, the Decatur Township Civic Council is expected to send city leaders a letter of opposition to Sabey Data Centers’ proposal. The Seattle-based company aims to construct two buildings on 130 acres near Kentucky Avenue and Camby Road. Sabey recently modified its proposal to allow for the addition of air conditioners and cooling towers, which exceed the height of standard ordinance requirements.
The council’s letter is not binding and doesn’t hold any legal authority, but, it will inform the Metropolitan Development Commission, which will ultimately decide Sabey’s future.
Even though the executive committee voted against the proposal, the full council must vote to ratify or reject the recommendation, leaving room for the council to instead write a letter of support for the development.
Many southsiders are against the proposed data hub. About 150 residents attended a panel discussion between Sabey and the council’s land use committee in December , and none of the public commenters spoke in favor of the proposal. A grassroots neighborhood advocacy group, Protect Decatur Township, started an online petition against the development.
What’s next
Residents have one more opportunity to ask questions and share feedback on Sabey’s data center plan during a town hall next week. Sabey declined an invitation to join the town hall.
The town hall is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Decatur Central High School’s Performing Arts Center, 5251 Kentucky Ave. Attendees can enter through Door #12.
The Decatur Township Civic Council will vote to ratify or reject the executive committee’s decision during its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26. A location has not been determined.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Mirror Indy reporter Elizabeth Gabriel covers the south side of Marion County. Contact her at elizabeth.gabriel@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X at @_elizabethgabs.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
