Google abruptly scraps Franklin Township data center proposal

The rezoning plan, known as codename “Project Flo,” would have converted nearly 470 acres of farmland into a data center campus. Supporters saw billions in investment, jobs and tax relief for Franklin Township schools. People against the project cite not enough jobs, power and water strain and no tax benefit.

“I’d like to announce our intention to withdraw this proposal,” project attorney Joe Calderon said in front of the council before an eruption of cheers.

Councilor Michael-Paul Hart (R-District 20), who represents the district, had repeatedly raised concerns about the strain the project could place on AES Indiana’s power grid. Other council members questioned tax abatements and nondisclosure agreements that shielded details of Google’s deal with entities like Franklin Township Schools, which used to be opposed to the project, but flipped to support after a private meeting with the tech giant.

“I think that’s the reason why Google withdrew their petition today is because they’ve seen how many people came out,” Hart said. “In six years that I’ve been on this council, I haven’t seen both of these overflow rooms and (the council chamber) full. That is an amazing testament of what just happened tonight.”

Members of the group “Protect Franklin Township” say they can rest for a bit following months of work.

“We’re all so happy that this was the right choice tonight,” ‘Protect Franklin Township’ member Meredith Sharp said. “I want my life back. I want my community’s life back. I’m ready to move on to the next phase of my life and spend time with my family and friends again.”

Supporters of the Google project, like councilman Ron Gibson (D-District 8), continue to stand by what would have been a “yes” vote.

“A billion dollars is a lot to pass up,” Gibson said. “In terms of investment and growing jobs and opportunities for the people of Indianapolis, that’s a huge investment to say no to. I would imagine even the opponents today have some reservation in terms of the future in terms of that type of development.”

After that, no new rezoning petitions can be heard for three months on the property. After the three-month timeout, any entity can issue a new zoning request with the city. 

If the proposal had been voted on and denied, any new petitions on the site would have been restricted for a year. 

Indiana has pitched itself as a growing hub for data centers, using tax incentives to attract national players. Google’s exit now raises questions about whether other tech giants will commit to central Indiana, or whether opposition from neighbors and councilors will cool momentum.

For Franklin Township, the future of Google’s project disappeared in a single night.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett issued this statement: 

“Indianapolis is a city where many come to grow, to innovate, and to thrive. With billions of dollars in ongoing development, significant investment in our economy, and our position as one of LinkedIn’s ‘cities on the rise’, it is no wonder Google was interested in calling Indianapolis home. I respect their decision to withdraw their rezoning petition.  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.”