City of Hobart votes to approve a fill permit for controversial Amazon data center proposal

HOBART, Ind. (WLS) -- The City of Hobart has voted to approve a fill permit on the site designated for an Amazon data center during a meeting Thursday night. It came after outcry from the crowd, calling for more studies on the site.

Emotions ran high at the Hobart Plan Commission meeting over the discussion surrounding a fill permit for a planned Amazon data center near Colorado and 61st Avenue.

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During discussion, the petitioner for the permit saying a site plan would not be available for another three to four months sparking outrage from the crowd.

"It would be criminal negligence for you to not to do a health impact study, an environmental impact study and a noise impact study before approving anything further for this project," one person said.

However, those in favor say this will bring thousands of jobs that Hobart can't afford to lose.

"The AI revolution is coming whether we like it or not. If you choose not to participate in it... from an economy that is the future," one person said.

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.