Panel advances rezoning plans for Google data center on Indianapolis farmland

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Metropolitan Development Commission, with an 8-1 vote on Wednesday, approved a rezoning request for a Google data center campus in Franklin Township.

The rezoning proposal, backed by Google through Deep Meadow Ventures, aims to transform 486 acres of farmland into a data center campus. This decision now moves to the full City-County Council for final review, with a vote anticipated on Sept. 8.

A Google spokesman told News 8 by email on Wednesday, “We are always planning for future capacity needs, which includes evaluating options to expand our data center presence in markets across the U.S. In Indiana, we can confirm we are exploring a potential development in Franklin Township.”

Local residents have expressed opposition to the project, citing concerns about air pollution, noise, and potentially higher electricity bills. The community’s apprehensions highlight an ongoing national debate over the environmental and economic impacts of data center projects.

Auboni Hart, chief communications officer for the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development, told News 8 by email that, if approved by the City-County Council, the land will be rezoned, allowing the developer to proceed with obtaining necessary permits before construction, “bearing in mind the additional safeguards in place to protect the neighborhood.”

The city emphasizes its commitment to enforcing zoning restrictions and standards to protect the neighborhood.

Google broke ground in April 2024 on a $2 billion data center in Fort Wayne, which is now under construction.

Previous coverage on WISHTV.com

• Google linked to proposed data center in southeast Indianapolis
• Next step ahead for proposed Google data center in Franklin Township
• From Mirror Indy: South side data center could soon clear another hurdle
• From Mirror Indy: A data center project advances, but southsiders vow to keep fighting

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