People against Google data center in Franklin township rally

People against Google data center in Franklin Township rally before a planned vote Sept. 22. google instead withdrew the proposal.

Google has withdrawn its proposal to build a data center in Franklin Township, Indianapolis, amid palpable local opposition. The reasons behind the decision remain unclear. During the meeting where the decision was revealed, Google’s legal team huddled outside before returning, after which attorney Joe Calderon quietly spoke with a city official while his team departed.

brittany York, a leader of Protect Franklin Township, acknowledged that the fight might not be over, but celebrated the moment. “It’s huge. We’re excited,” York said after the meeting. “It’s nice to know that we can finally catch our breaths,but we certainly know that we have to stay vigilant as they can always refile. It’s not game over.”

Google’s path to approval was difficult, given councilors’ concerns about electricity and water consumption, and limited land in Marion County. Councilor Hart had also voiced clear opposition months prior, and the Council typically supports the district councilor’s wishes.

Prior reports indicated that at least 17 councilors planned to oppose the data center,despite approvals from the city’s redevelopment commission and staff planners. However, these statements were not binding until an official vote.

Councilor Rob Gibson was the only one to publicly support the proposal, while seven councilors had not revealed their positions.

According to an Indy Economic Development official, Google met with councilors as late as the day of the Sept. 22 hearing.

Mayor Joe Hogsett,who had previously remained silent on the issue,stated that he respected Google’s decision and that it “was no wonder” Google was interested in Indianapolis.

“The city remains committed to working alongside business leaders and neighbors to continue attracting new investments that create quality jobs, increase opportunities for construction trade workers, further our economy’s growth, and uplift our neighborhoods,” Hogsett said.

Future Uncertain for Google in Indianapolis

The future of Google’s plans in Indianapolis is now uncertain, including whether it will seek an option location in Central Indiana. A developer must wait several months before submitting a new petition for the same land. Google has not yet commented.

“It’s nice to know that we can finally catch our breaths,but we certainly know that we have to stay vigilant as they can always refile.”

Google must still officially withdraw the petition with the Department of Metropolitan Development.If not,the City-County Council will hold a hearing on Oct. 6.

Indiana’s attractive tax breaks and welcoming stance towards tech companies are expected to continue drawing data center development. The Citizens Action Coalition is currently tracking approximately 40 potential data center projects in the state.

The Protect Franklin Township group joins other Indiana communities that have successfully opposed data center construction.

“When we’re facing a multi-trillion-dollar company,it’s daunting,” York said.”So having people care and come out and support, it’s huge.”