Proposed $2 Billion East Indianapolis Data Center Faces Community Opposition Ahead of Key Hearing

Georgia-based developer DC Blox is proposing a $2 billion data center campus on the east side of Indianapolis, drawing opposition from local residents ahead of an upcoming regulatory hearing. The proposed development at 305 Fintail Drive, located at the corner of South Kitley Avenue and the Pennsy Trail, would sit on a former Ford factory site. The project is scheduled for a hearing before the Metropolitan Development Commission's hearing examiner on June 11 at 1 p.m. at the Indianapolis City-County Building.

The proposed campus would feature three buildings totaling up to 420,000 square feet. According to project filings, the site could use up to 78 megawatts of electricity, feature 56 backup generators, and employ approximately 35 full-time staff. During a Warren Township community meeting on May 21, 2026, dozens of residents expressed concerns regarding the project's power and water consumption, noise levels, and the potential health and environmental impacts of excavating contaminated soil on the brownfield site.

Because DC Blox has requested a variance of use rather than a rezoning, the Indianapolis City-County Council will not have the authority to override the Metropolitan Development Commission's final decision. This procedural path means opponents must convince the commission directly, as no council veto is available. Indianapolis City-County Councilor Michael-Paul Hart, who represents the district, stated he has not yet decided whether he will support the development.

DC Blox representatives, including Senior Vice President of Sales David Armistead, defended the project during the community meeting, describing it as a long-term investment. Company filings indicate that DC Blox plans to contribute to the Parks Alliance of Indianapolis for trail stewardship along the Pennsy Trail for at least five years. The hearing examiner's upcoming June 11 review will result in a recommendation to the Metropolitan Development Commission.