MADISON, Ind. (WDRB) — A zoning appeals board voted Wednesday night to deny an appeal challenging plans for a massive data center campus at the former Jefferson Proving Ground site in Madison, allowing the project to move forward.
The proposed JPG Data Center would include nine buildings across nearly 2,000 acres in Jefferson County.
The appeals hearing lasted nearly five hours and drew a packed crowd of residents opposed to the project. Residents raised concerns about noise, pollution, water usage, hazardous materials and the potential for lithium battery fires connected to large-scale data center operations.
Many residents also argued they were not properly notified before the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Office approved the project in February.
People speaking against the proposal said they fear the development could dramatically change the area and lower nearby property values.
Despite the objections, the zoning board voted to deny the appeal, clearing the way for the project to continue moving forward.
Supporters of the development have argued the project could bring jobs and economic investment to the region, while opponents said the community should have had more input before plans advanced.
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