In a packed hearing room at Indianapolis City Hall, community members voiced their concerns over a proposed hyperscale data center that could reshape their neighborhood. The Metropolitan Development Commission hearing on June 26, 2025, drew passionate testimonies from residents worried about the potential impacts on their health, property values, and local infrastructure.

Meredith Sharp, a local business owner and mother, shared her fears about the health risks posed by the data center, which she described as a "massive consumer of water and electricity." Sharp highlighted the unknown long-term effects of living near such a facility, including noise pollution, light pollution, and the potential for water contamination. Her emotional appeal underscored the anxiety many residents feel about the project's implications for their families and livelihoods.

Julie Goldsberry, vice president of the Greater Troy Neighborhood Association, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the financial burden the data center could impose on local residents. She pointed out that while the project promises construction jobs, the long-term employment prospects are bleak, as data centers are known to create few permanent positions. Goldsberry also raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding tax incentives for the developers, suggesting that the community might not see the financial benefits they were promised.

Andrew Filler, a concerned neighbor, highlighted the existing flooding issues in the area, questioning how the data center would manage stormwater runoff. He noted that the proposed development would convert farmland into impervious surfaces, exacerbating flooding risks. Filler's petition against the project has garnered over 3,000 signatures, reflecting widespread community opposition.

As the hearing progressed, City County Councilor expressed the need for responsible development that prioritizes the well-being of residents. He pointed out that while the land will inevitably be developed, the community must consider what type of project would best serve their interests. He raised concerns about the data center's potential to limit future growth and infrastructure improvements in the area.

The hearing concluded with a call for more transparency and accountability from the developers. Residents left the meeting with a sense of urgency, hoping their voices would be heard in the decision-making process that could significantly impact their community's future. As the city grapples with balancing economic development and community health, the outcome of this proposal remains uncertain, leaving many residents anxious about what lies ahead.