BACKGROUND — Data centers are rapidly expanding across central Indiana, with two new projects: One is proposed in Pike Township and another in the early stages, but paused, in Decatur Township, sparking debate among local officials.

American Tower says it has submitted plans for a data center on Indianapolis’ north side in Pike Township, at 79th and Township Line Rd.

The proposed developments could be part of a larger regional trend that has seen data center projects emerge across central Indiana, including previous proposals in Franklin Township, Martindale-Brightwood and in Morgan County.

Data centers warehouse the advanced computers that power services like artificial intelligence and cloud-based storage. They consume massive amounts of electricity and water, sparking concerns about both environmental sustainability and increased utility costs.

American Tower owns phone and internet infrastructure, primarily cell phone towers, according to its website. One of its towers is already located on the proposed data center site, which is owned by a holding company for the real estate trust.

The proposed site is also surrounded mostly by unoccupied, wooded land, with residential neighborhoods on the periphery. The city’s comprehensive plan marks the proposed data center site as environmentally sensitive.

WHAT’S NEXT?
ATC Watertown has applied to rezone just over seven acres of property currently zoned for a telecommunications tower. The petition asks for it to be rezoned as a special use commercial district “to provide for a data center.”

The rezoning petition will first be heard by the city’s hearing examiner, who will recommend its approval or denial. The project’s lawyers and opponents can both speak at that hearing. The petition is currently set to be heard on Dec. 18, but the Pike Township Residents Association has filed a request to push the hearing out to Jan. 15, 2026.

The nine-member Metropolitan Development Commission will then vote on the request after considering input from the hearing examiner, Department of Metropolitan Development staff, project representatives and members of the public.

City-County councilors usually get time to speak to the Metropolitan Development Commission when it’s voting on a petition within their district. Leroy Robinson, the district’s representative, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

If the Metropolitan Development Commission approves the petition, the full City-County Council will take a final vote. Normally, the council considers all zoning petitions in a single vote, but a district’s representative can request further discussion on specific projects.

WHAT CAN I DO???

1.) Attend ALL of the public meetings and hearings (if allowed)

2.) Sign the Petition! (Below. Print up, fill out, sign, and drop off at one of the meetings or the Trustee’s office)

3.) Contact your City council Representative (Important!)

4.) Be vocal, but also informed and respectful.