Franklin Township Data Center Project Moves Forward

A controversial data center project proposed by Deep Meadow Ventures, backed by Google, is moving forward in Franklin Township. The project would turn 486 acres of farmland into a data center, but local residents are opposed to the plan due to concerns about air pollution, noise, and higher electricity bills.

Andrew Filler, who has lived in the area for seven years, is leading the opposition as part of the Protect Franklin Township group. "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."

Filler's home is across the street from the proposed data center location and he worries about the constant noise it would generate. "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."

In addition to noise concerns, Filler is worried about his electricity bills increasing due to the project. "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."

Indianapolis City-County Council member Michael-Paul Hart has also expressed concerns about the proposal. In a statement, he said: "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."

However, another resident, David Whitaker, has changed his mind about the project after seeing the plans. He is concerned only about air pollution from construction dust and dirt blowing onto his property. "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 on Wednesday, with a possible vote to delay or deny the proposal.