Google Data Center Zoning Plans Advance in Indianapolis

The Metropolitan Development Commission in Indianapolis has approved a rezoning request for a Google data center campus in Franklin Township. The 8-1 vote on Wednesday allows the company to transform 486 acres of farmland into a data center campus.

A Google spokesman confirmed that the company is exploring a potential development in Franklin Township, stating, “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.”

However, local residents have expressed concerns about air pollution, noise, and potentially higher electricity bills, highlighting 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, emphasized 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.”

Mayor Joe Hogsett issued a statement on the proposed data center campus:

“It says a lot about our city’s continued economic growth when a company like Google shows interest in Indianapolis. Over the last several years, we have seen more companies within the tech industry bring their business and operations here because they understand that Indianapolis is a vibrant place to work, live, and play.

“We are committed to doing what’s in the best interest of our residents, especially those living in Franklin Township, and will continue to evaluate this proposal carefully. It is important to know that multiple steps remain in the City approval process as it heads to the City-County Council.”

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