Hobart residents opposed to a pair of data center complexes planned for 61st Avenue gathered outside city hall before a Nov. 5 city council meeting. Alex Dalton, The Times
Two developers are moving forward with plans to build large data center complexes along 61st Avenue in Hobart, despite growing public opposition. City leaders say the projects could boost local revenue, while residents worry about their impact on the environment, utilities and property values
- Two developers, Hobart Devco, LLC and Wylie Capital, hope to build massive data center complexes on 61st Avenue in Hobart. The companies received secured zoning changes for their projects in February and September, respectively, and Hobart Devco recently received a permit to "move dirt" in preparation for construction.
- The first rezone vote faced some opposition from community members, but the number of Hobart residents activated against the planned facilities has grown substantially in the months since.
- Facing complaints about the projects' possible impact on the environment, property values and utility infrastructure, Hobart's mayor has argued that data centers will boost city revenue without burdening the city with truck traffic.
- Public pressure campaigns have scuttled developers' data center ambitions elsewhere in Northwest Indiana, including in Valparaiso, Chesterton, Burns Harbor and Union Township.
- Elsewhere, the projects have been embraced by local leaders. Earlier this year, Hammond and Michigan City's municipal councils both voted to approve tax abatement deals for data centers planned in their cities.
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