After community backlash, the Indianapolis branch of the NAACP is reversing its position on a proposed data center in Martindale Brightwood.
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“Martindale-Brightwood is one of Indianapolis’ oldest historic Black neighborhoods, and residents have already endured decades of industrial and environmental burdens,” a statement released March 9 reads, in part. “We respect the community’s voice and stand with them as they advocate for the future of their neighborhood.”
That’s an about face from just a month earlier. On Feb. 9, the Greater Indianapolis NAACP Branch 3053 submitted a letter to the Metropolitan Development Commission and the regional hearing examiner in support of the data center. Mirror Indy reported on that letter March 6.
In that initial letter, the group said it held a meeting with Metrobloks during which the tech company outlined commitments to prioritize local labor during construction, create job opportunities and invest $2.5 million toward affordable housing and neighborhood improvements.
“After more than four decades of vacancy, this property represents an opportunity to restore productive use in a way that aligns economic growth with community consideration,” the March 9 letter stated, in part. “Based on the commitments shared and the dialogue we have had, we view this proposal as one that reflects thoughtful engagement and an intention to contribute positively to the surrounding community.”
When asked why the group changed its position, NAACP President Chrystal Ratcliffe sent Mirror Indy a one-sentence statement that didn’t address the question specifically: “Our position is clear: the Greater Indianapolis NAACP Branch #3053 has always supported the leadership and residents of the Martindale-Brightwood community.”
It’s clear the organization did hear from concerned residents. In the month following the initial letter of support, Mat Davis and other community members contacted the NAACP and told the organization the majority of residents do not support the development.
Davis, a community organizer involved in data center opposition efforts, said he was heartbroken to learn of the NAACP’s initial letter of support.
“I never would have thought that the NAACP would be one of the organizations on the wrong side of the issue here,” Davis said. “I thought that for sure, NAACP would be on our side. Things that you thought that would be a no brainer have been mind boggling and really hard to get support on.”
Many residents feel like they’re facing an uphill battle.
Unlike the proposed data center projects in Franklin and Pike Townships, the residents of Martindale Brightwood are not backed by their local city official. City-County Councilor Ron Gibson, the Democrat who represents the neighborhood, has publicly supported the development. That’s made it harder for residents to fight the project, Davis said.
“We don’t have Ron, we don’t have our councilor,” Davis said.
Related
Hogsett’s economic development org supports Metrobloks data center
The mayor chairs the board of the organization backing a proposed data center in Martindale Brightwood.
What’s next?
Los Angeles-based Metrobloks wants to build a 150,000-square-foot data center at 2505 N. Sherman Drive, the site of the former Sherman Drive-In Theater.
While the project is expected to provide up to $10 million in annual property tax revenue for the city, many residents are concerned about environmental pollution and rising energy costs.
The nine-member Metropolitan Development Commission was expected to vote on the development at a March 4 meeting. But Gibson requested the vote be delayed until next month, saying he would use the additional time to inform residents of the benefits of the project.
The Metropolitan Development Commission is expected to vote on the proposal April 1. If it passes, it would go before the City-County Council for final approval.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Mirror Indy reporter Darian Benson covers east Indianapolis. Contact her at 317-397-7262 or darian.benson@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @HelloImDarian or on Bluesky @darianbenson.bsky.social.
Peter Blanchard covers local government. Reach him at 317-605-4836 or peter.blanchard@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @peterlblanchard.
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