Dozens of Hobart residents were in uproar over the city leaders' decision to approve ordinances, laying the framework down for a proposed Amazon data center.
The $11 billion project is set to be built on a more than 700-acre plot of land near Colorado and 61st Avenue, directly across from a residential area.
The City Council's unanimous approval came after nearly an hour and a half of public testimony from residents - all but one speaker voicing their disapproval of the project, raising concerns over health and environmental impacts.
"I'm scared once this is built there will be no way to undo the damage. I'm scared of losing my health and the place I'm supposed to be safe," a resident said.
Several speakers took aim at the City Council over a lack of transparency about this project, asking the Mayor and members to table tonight's votes to allow for more time for public discussion
"Asking the council to slow down, do the research the residents deserve and consider alternatives. Please do not rush into something that could damage our city," a resident said.
Hobart Mayor Josh Huddlestun, in a recent Facebook post, says the project comes at a critical time for the city, and because of this agreement, Hobart does not have to raise income taxes and could invest the money back into city development and programs.
The city says the project is expected to generate more than 400 permanent jobs with Amazon expected to millions more to the city, pending construction milestones.
If the project gets the green light, construction could start this spring.