INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Acres of farmland near Post Road and Troy Avenue in Franklin Township are up for debate.

Deep Meadow Ventures, backed by Google, is proposing turning the 486 acres into a data center, but residents around the area oppose the project. They worry about air pollution, noise, and possibly higher electricity bills.

Andrew Filler, who has lived in the area for seven years, is fighting against this project as part of the Protect Franklin Township, a group of concerned neighbors. “Is this what you want in your backyard? Constant noise, constant interruptions. We understand something will be developed here one day, we just want something that will provide for the community.”

His home is across the street from the farmland. “It’s constantly going to be making 65 decibels of noise, so basically a vacuum cleaner going off 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

But, the sound isn’t his only concern. “I’m concerned about my electricity bills being up. That’s based off of recent studies from northern Indiana, and they jumped $30-$50 a month.”

Joining Filler are neighbors with signs of support and over 5,600 signatures on an online petition.

Indianapolis City-County Council member Michael-Paul Hart, a Republican, represents the district containing the farmland. He shared a statement that he said was based on public feedback and analysis.

“I cannot support this proposal as currently structured. We should not be locking up one of the largest remaining land opportunities in Franklin Township for a project that offers limited jobs, reduced tax benefits, and long-term restrictions on infrastructure growth. We must do better.”

Another resident of the area, David Whitaker was initially against the data center until he saw the plans. He has lived in the area for five years. His property is right across the proposed data center location. “There’s not going to be a building across the street from me. I’m going to see a retention pond, and they did say they’re required to put a buffer. So, they’ll be a 15-foot buffer they claim with trees.”

Whitaker says he’s just concerned about air pollution from the construction. “Predominant winds come from the southwest. All that dust and dirt is blowing to my yard and my house.”

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission will consider the data center project at its meeting starting at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St.

An Metropolitan Development spokesperson said, if approved, the proposal would next go to a full council vote in September. If the commission denies the proposal, the land will stay zoned as it is, and it would take a year before a petitioner can request to rezone the land.

The commission on Wednesday could also vote to delay its decision until a later meeting.

News 8 first reported on the project in March.

• From the Metropolitan Development Commission: Packet of materials for Aug 20, 2025, meeting

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