Metropolitan Development Commission Public Meeting Summary

On March 18, 2026, the Metropolitan Development Commission (MDC) held a public meeting to consider various petitions, including a high-profile proposal from SABI Data Center Properties LLC for a data center campus in Decatur Township. The meeting included approvals of consent items, a public hearing on the SABI project, and final votes that approved both companion petitions with conditions.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the March 4, 2026 meeting were approved 7-0 with one recusal (Commissioner Schumacher).
• Special Request – Waiver of 90-Day Waiting Period (Case 2026 ZON 026): Petitioner Russell Brown requested a waiver to refile a new petition for property at 3565 South Keystone after a contract termination. Staff supported the waiver. The commission voted 8-0 to waive the waiting period.
• Continuance (Case 2025 ZON 112 amended): A continuance to May 6, 2026 was granted for a petition at 641 Langsdale Avenue. The motion passed 8-0.
• Policy Resolutions: Three resolutions were approved en bloc 8-0:
  • 2026 A008: Preliminary economic revitalization area resolution for Tag Midwest Properties LLC (8205-8215 and 8345 Georgetown Road) – 6-year real property tax abatement.
  • 2026 P001: Preliminary economic revitalization area resolution for TC Hartland LLC (Heartland Food Products Group) – 6-year personal property tax abatement.
  • 2026 P002: Appointment to the Plat Committee.
• Petitions of No Appeal: Three petitions (2026 APP 002, 2025 ZON 134, 2025 ZON 139 amended) were approved 8-0 as recommended by the hearing examiner.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Remonstrators (Opponents): Led by attorney Laureen White and Pat Andrews (representing Decatur Township Civic Council), they argued that the data center would harm public health, safety, and property values. Specific concerns included:
  • Noise: Claimed 65 dB at property line exceeds safe levels per NIH studies; low-frequency noise can cause cardiovascular and cognitive issues.
  • Air Pollution: 122 Tier 2 diesel generators and over 1 million gallons of diesel storage would emit nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and carcinogens; a Washington state study showed increased cancer risk within ¾ mile.
  • Water: Closed-loop cooling system uses chemical additives that could contaminate groundwater; nearby residents rely on wells.
  • Fire Safety: Referenced a 2-alarm fire at SABI’s Round Rock facility and lack of special firefighting equipment in Decatur Township.
  • Property Values: Cited a damages appraisal expert (Mary McClinton Clay) claiming diminution in value due to stigma and incompatible use.
  • Comprehensive Plan: The site is designated “village mixed use” and a data center conflicts with that vision; the project would eliminate the previously approved technology park that could bring thousands of jobs.
  • Community Opposition: Presented a petition with over 1,300 signatures; Decatur Township Trustee and Civic Council opposed (95-2 vote).
• Councillor Josh Bain (District 21): Addressed the commission, stating he would not support a project that would harm his community. He detailed his engagement with SABI, including hosting an open house, traveling to Round Rock, and negotiating commitments such as closed-loop cooling, no generator testing after 5 p.m., prohibition of cryptocurrency mining, annual sound testing, and preservation of existing trees. He argued that the project’s $22 million annual tax revenue (vs. current $16,000) would benefit the township, though he would advocate for any tax abatement to stay in Decatur Township. He also condemned misinformation and threats of violence.

Discussion Items

• Petitioner SABI Data Center Properties LLC (represented by Mindy Westrick Brown): Presented the case for a variance of use and modification of commitments for a data center technology park on 132 acres at 6400-6833 Kentucky Avenue and adjacent Camby Road. Key points:
  • Project Description: Two buildings (Building A: 30 ft, Building B: 50 ft max including rooftop equipment), 200 parking spaces (instead of required 708), closed-loop air-cooled system (no evaporative water loss), 122 backup generators (reduced from original), diesel particulate filters, noise limit of 65 dB at property line during generator testing (weekdays only 7 a.m.–5 p.m.), 14-foot berm with double-staggered evergreen trees, motion-sensor lighting.
  • Economic Impact: $1 billion+ investment (five times Lucas Oil Stadium), 75 permanent jobs (mean wage ~$95,000), 450+ construction jobs, IU Kelly School report showed net positive economic impact.
  • Environmental: 92% less emissions than previously approved technology park; 38% fewer generators; Round Rock facility uses water equivalent to 15 homes annually.
  • Community Support: Letters from Decatur Township School Board member, majority of Decatur Township Advisory Board, unions (Central Indiana Building Trades Council, Carpenters), IEDI (Indy Economic Development Inc.) preliminary incentive terms. Over 450 supporters.
  • Staff Recommendation: Bryce Patz (Administrator of Current Planning) recommended approval of the modification of commitments and variances, subject to conditions. Staff found the use does not create impacts beyond I-2 zoning, and commitments adequately regulate noise, screening, lighting, traffic, and operations.
• Commission Questions: Commissioners asked about decibel levels, access off Camby Road (prohibited during construction and operation), attractiveness to other tech businesses, building phasing (Building B first), future technology adaptability, and the removal of the retail village component. The petitioner noted the previous approved park never materialized.
• IEDI Representative (Doug Brown): Read a letter expressing preliminary support based on seven factors, including significant tax revenue, investment, workforce commitments, and infrastructure cost coverage.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Companion Petitions:
  • 2025 CAP 856 (modification of commitments): Approved 7-1 (8 ballots cast).
  • 2025 C VR 856 amended (variance of use and development standards): Approved 6-2 (8 ballots cast).
• Both petitions were approved, allowing SABI to proceed with the data center campus subject to the commitments in the staff report and March 11, 2026 plan of operations.
• Next steps: Petitioner will work with staff on final timing and incentive review process; tax abatement discussions pending.