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In Hobart, Indiana, the city has given the green light to a fill permit for a site earmarked for an Amazon data center, following a vote conducted during a Thursday night meeting. The decision was met with public opposition, with attendees demanding further studies of the location.
The atmosphere was charged at the Hobart Plan Commission meeting, where the focus was on the proposed fill permit for the future Amazon data center, set to be built near Colorado and 61st Avenue.
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Concerns were amplified when the permit petitioner revealed that a full site plan wouldn’t be ready for another three to four months, drawing frustration from those present.
“Not conducting a health impact study, an environmental impact study, and a noise impact study before moving forward would be criminal negligence,” declared one vocal attendee.
On the flip side, supporters argued that the project is crucial for Hobart, as it promises to create thousands of jobs that the city cannot afford to miss out on.
“The AI revolution is inevitable, and choosing not to engage with it could leave us behind in an economy that represents the future,” one proponent emphasized.
READ MORE | Proposed Amazon data center near NW Indiana residential area sparks debate at city meeting
Residents who have been long opposed to the plan concerned about health and environmental impacts.
“The biggest concern today is that permits are being approved before we’re even able to see a site plan,” said Angelita Soriano with No Data Centers.
ABC7 has reached out to the mayor’s office regarding concerns presented at Thursday night’s meeting and if the city would be open to hosting a townhall session. ABC7 is still awaiting a response.
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