Hearing Examiner Recommends Approval for Metrobloks Data Center Despite Community Pushback

The Metrobloks zoning decision now heads to the Department of Metropolitan Development Commission on March 4, with an appeal against the decision expected.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Metropolitan Development Commission hearing examiner has decided to recommend approval for Metrobloks' proposed data center project at 25th and Sherman in Indianapolis, despite vocal opposition from the local Martindale-Brightwood community. The community raised environmental concerns about the development site, but Metrobloks' attorney cited a recent assessment that found no recognized environmental conditions. The project has divided local officials, with the area's councilor supporting it while another councilor questioned whether it truly benefits the community. The hearing examiner approved the project, citing Metrobloks' plans for water usage and a substation, but community leaders have vowed to continue opposing the decision.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tension between economic development and community concerns, particularly around the environmental impact of large-scale projects like data centers. The Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood has long struggled with issues of pollution and disinvestment, and residents are wary of new developments that could further exacerbate those problems. The decision also raises broader questions about Indianapolis' approach to data center development and whether the city is prioritizing these projects over the needs and wishes of local communities.

The details

Metrobloks, a company that repurposes vacant properties, has proposed building a data center on a site at 25th and Sherman in Indianapolis. The local Martindale-Brightwood Coalition raised concerns about environmental contaminants on the development site, but Metrobloks' attorney said a recent assessment found no recognized environmental conditions and that the company would implement a soil management plan with continuous testing during construction. Metrobloks' CEO also promised a $2.5 million investment in affordable housing and infrastructure as part of the project. The hearing examiner approved the project, citing Metrobloks' plans for water usage and a substation, but community leaders remain skeptical about the environmental safety of developing the long-vacant site.

  • The Metropolitan Development Commission hearing examiner made the decision to recommend approval for the Metrobloks data center project on February 13, 2026.
  • The Metrobloks zoning decision will now head to the Department of Metropolitan Development Commission on March 4, 2026.
  • An appeal against the hearing examiner's decision is expected.

The players

Metrobloks

A company that repurposes vacant properties and is proposing to build a data center in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood of Indianapolis.

Protect Martindale Brightwood Coalition

A local community group that has raised environmental concerns about the Metrobloks data center project.

Tyler Ochs

An attorney representing Metrobloks through the law firm Bose McKinney & Evans.

Ernest Popescu

The CEO of Metrobloks.

Ron Gibson

The City-County Councilor who represents the Martindale-Brightwood area and supports the Metrobloks data center project.

Jesse Brown

The District 13 City-County Councilor who questioned whether the Metrobloks data center project truly benefits the community.

Dennel Howard

A community leader who expressed disappointment with the hearing examiner's recommendation for approval but vowed continued opposition.

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What they’re saying

“None of the neighborhood is in favor of the data center.”

— Dale Wigden-Wright

“The lots that they want to develop on have environmental contaminants.”

— Cierra Johnson

“This is a small business that will ultimately be leasing out these spaces to places like a hospital, bank, school. It could be used for e-mail storage, cloud storage or AI.”

— Tyler Ochs, Attorney representing Metrobloks

“This hearing was an important step on the road to a project that would transform a long-vacant brownfield site into an economic generator. With environmentally responsible design and a $2.5 million investment to the community in affordable housing and infrastructure, this project reflects our commitment to strengthening Martindale-Brightwood and building lasting partnerships.”

— Ernest Popescu, CEO of Metrobloks

“For more than 40 years, the site has not contributed to neighborhood activity or reinvestment. I also acknowledge that residents have raised valid questions and concerns. Those concerns have guided my review. I would not support this request if I believed it imposed new or unreasonable burdens on nearby homes or businesses.”

— Ron Gibson, City-County Councilor

What’s next

The Metrobloks zoning decision will now head to the Department of Metropolitan Development Commission on March 4, 2026. An appeal against the hearing examiner's decision is expected.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between economic development and community concerns, particularly around the environmental impact of large-scale projects like data centers. The decision raises broader questions about Indianapolis' approach to data center development and whether the city is prioritizing these projects over the needs and wishes of local communities.