Residents oppose Martindale-Brightwood data center during Indianapolis meeting INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — More than 70 people attended a public meeting Monday night at the Fredrick Douglas Park Family Center as Los Angeles company Metrobloks addressed public concerns over its proposed $500 million data center in the Martindale-Brightwood’s neighborhood. Metrobloks found an angry crowd who chanted, “No data center here.” Organizer Cierra Johnson of Protect Martindale Brightwood Neighborhood Coalition said that Metrobloks has “not said anything that have changed the way I feel or it seems like the community feels. “Between QA and presentations, they really haven’t presented us with any new information. So we are still not satisfied and we don’t want the development here.” The proposed data center would be on 13.5 acres on Sherman Drive near 25th Street, the former Sherman Drive-in Movie Theatre. City-County Councilor Ron Gibson, a Democrat who represents the area, showed up during the meeting. He said he supports the development because the land has been vacant for 40 years. He told News 8 that the majority of those in attendance weren’t residents. But, the majority of the people who raised their hands said they lived in the area. They also said they were concerned about the environmental pollution the new development will bring. Vietnam veteran Selvie Burris said he owns several area properties, mostly residential. He’s worried about the impact on his family. He said Metrobloks could have reached out directly to residents. “Everything we have tried to do, we get stepped on, kicked back, and that I don’t think is right.” Burris shared that poor residents don’t have an option to move out if the data center is built. According to Data Center Map, there are 35 data centers located in Marion County. Metrobloks said they don’t have a tenant yet, so the project could be a data center or an artificial intelligence center, the latter needing more electricity. Monday night’s meeting was the second time Metrobloks addressed the public; the first time was in September. Metroblocks representatives addressed some of the audience’s concerns. They said they have a closed-loop system to prevent water pollution. They said they will adhere to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards when it comes to sound pollution. Metrobloks’ Lawyer Tyler Ochs said, “I think, for us, it’s refreshing in a sense to see people so passionate about their neighborhood and where they are living, and although some people may think my client doesn’t want to be a good steward, I would argue we are. We want to hear things from the community, understand concerns and make sure it’s a harmonious relationship if it were to move forward.” The Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission will meet at 1 p.m. Feb. 12 to discuss the proposal. ...read more read less