How to join information sessions on data center regulations in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – People can weigh in on regulations guiding the future of data center development in Indianapolis. 

The Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) will hold two virtual meetings this week on a proposed ordinance to create zoning regulations for data centers. The city doesn’t currently have zoning rules specific to data centers. 

The virtual meetings are Tuesday, April 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, April 30, from noon to 1 p.m.

Attendees need to RSVP to join the info sessions. A meeting link will be provided after registering.

Public comments can also be submitted through an online survey. 

The city says four separate requests were made to build data centers in Indianapolis over the last year. These developments have drawn intense public pushback, with concerns surrounding the environmental impacts of data centers and their strain on water and power supply. 

After the Indianapolis City-County Council approved rezoning for the $500 million Metrobloks data center in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, someone shot into the home of Democratic Councilman Ron Gibson. A note reading “No data centers” was left under his doormat. 

A lawsuit seeks to block a $4 billion data center project on the southwest side of Indianapolis.

“The fact of the matter is data centers are coming whether we want them to or not,” Gibson told News 8. “So, how do we make sure they’re more responsible, how do we make sure they invest in our community, and how do we make sure that investment is what we want?”

Council President Vop Osili, a Democrat currently running for mayor, says he doesn’t want any data centers built in residential neighborhoods. Republican Councilmember Michael Paul-Hart wrote in his weekly newsletter, “communities need stronger protections, better notice, and clearer standards if these projects are approved.” 

A DMD spokesperson said the goal of the data center zoning ordinance is to create minimum requirements and add clarity to the development process. 

Critics have said the proposed regulations are too relaxed. 

Ben Inskeep, Program Director of consumer and environmental advocacy group Citizens Action Coalition (CAC) told News 8 “This ordinance fails to create basic protections for Hoosiers.” Inskeep said the ordinance could include stronger noise limits, requirements to use clean energy, and increased setbacks.

CAC is also calling for required annual reporting on water usage. 

Democratic Councilmember Jesse Brown has publicly called for a six-month moratorium on data center developments in Marion County. According to CAC, a dozen Indiana counties have already put moratoriums in place.

The Metropolitan Development Commission will consider the new zoning ordinance on data centers during its next meeting on May 20. If approved, the ordinance could be introduced at an Indianapolis City-County Council meeting in June then be adopted as early as July.