News Summary
The Franklin Township Community School Corporation has shifted its stance, now supporting a proposed data center project on farmland amidst strong community opposition. Local government officials and residents express concerns about environmental impacts, water supply strain, and limited economic benefits. Despite approvals from some agencies, debate continues over the project’s sustainability and regional land use, highlighting ongoing conflicts between development and community interests. The rezoning vote scheduled for late September could determine the project’s future, reflecting broader regional debates on growth and resource management.
Indianapolis – The Franklin Township Community School Corporation has recently altered its stance regarding the controversial proposal for a large data center to be built on 463 acres of farmland near the I-74 and Post Road interchange in southeast Marion County. Initially opposed to the project in early August, the school corporation has shifted its support, highlighting a significant change in local sentiment amidst ongoing community opposition.
Despite gaining support from the school corporation, the project faces increased scrutiny from local governmental bodies and community members. Key concerns have been raised by members of the Indianapolis City-County Council, with eleven members, including all six Republicans and several Democrats, publicly voicing their opposition to the data center development. These councilors argue that the project only promises to generate 50 jobs while costing utility ratepayers significantly and could potentially affect the quality of life in the area.
Councilor Michael-Paul Hart has noted that other projects within his district are expected to create around 500 jobs without needing extensive tax benefits. The data center is linked to approximately $2.7 million in property tax breaks over the next ten years, which has raised questions about the project’s viability and benefits. Councilor Hart is further planning to call down the rezoning request for a public hearing on September 8, with a final vote anticipated no earlier than September 22. If rejected by the council, the rezoning would effectively halt the project.
Community anger has also been amplified with reports indicating that the project may strain Indiana’s water supply due to competing demands from residents, agricultural needs, and the requirements of data centers. In light of these concerns, Governor Mike Braun has tasked the Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources with evaluating the state’s water resources. Councilor Jesse Brown has shared that he has been inundated with messages from constituents opposing the project, illustrating the strong local sentiment against the development.
The Metropolitan Development Commission had previously approved the rezoning of land for the Google data center despite overwhelming local objections. Advocates against the project argue that such developments offer little benefit while posing significant environmental risks. Local advocacy groups expressed concerns about the impact on utilities, further complicating the narrative surrounding the data center.
This situation comes amidst a wider context of local governance issues in the state. Governor Braun is contemplating a special session of the Indiana legislature, potentially to address matters like redistricting and other pressing concerns. In addition, a recent $800 million investment approved for a new data center in Boone County is impacting thousands of acres of farmland, raising questions about long-term agricultural viability and land use in the region.
Elsewhere in Indiana, law enforcement continues to tackle crime issues. Recently, a corrections employee was arrested for allegedly trafficking drugs into the Marion County Jail, and Whitestown experienced a notable police presence due to a surge in car break-ins. In sports, the Indiana Fever could face elimination from the WNBA Playoffs if they do not secure a victory against the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Moreover, IndyCar has announced an extensive 2026 season schedule featuring 17 races that will all be nationally televised.
As developments unfold regarding the contentious data center proposal, the local community remains engaged, seeking to balance economic growth with the protection of local resources and quality of life.
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Additional Resources
- 95.3 MNC
- Wikipedia: Data center
- WISH-TV
- Google Search: Franklin Township data center
- Axios
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Data centers
- Greenfield Reporter
- Google News: Indiana data center
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
