City‑County Council members and the Metropolitan Development Commission are set to consider a $113 million tax‑incentive package for DC Blox, a Georgia‑based developer planning a data‑center campus at the Thunderbird Commerce Center on Indianapolis’ east side. The site, a former Ford plant brownfield near South Kitley Avenue and the Pennsy Trail, is slated to become a high‑tech hub that could boost local jobs and tax revenue.
Proposed tax abatement details
According to Indianapolis Economic Development, the package would grant DC Blox an abatement lasting ten years. During that period the company is expected to pay roughly $28 million in taxes. The abatement would save the developer about $8.9 million on building taxes and $11.6 million on equipment taxes, while future tenants could collectively save $92.5 million.
Community inclusion plan
To ensure the community benefits directly, the incentive package requires a minimum 5 % return of the savings to local projects. Indy Economic Development estimates the community‑inclusion contribution will total about $28.5 million. Of that, $5.7 million is earmarked for the redevelopment of Washington Square Mall, $2.5 million for a workforce‑development program, and the remainder for infrastructure improvements on the east side.
An additional $1.5 million will be allocated under DC Blox’s “Good Neighbor Standards.” Andrea Richter‑Garry, president and CEO of Indy Economic Development, said the funds could support public‑art installations in Warren Township, enhanced landscaping, and partnerships with local schools.
Legislative process
The tax‑abatement proposal was first introduced at the City‑County Council meeting on Nov. 2 and outlined in a virtual briefing on Nov. 4. A recording of that briefing is available on the Indy Economic Development website. The package will be presented to the Council’s Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee on Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m., with a subsequent introduction to the Metropolitan Development Commission scheduled for Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. Both meetings will take place in the Public Assembly Room of the City‑County Building, 200 E. Washington St.
Why the incentive matters for Indy
Data centers are a growing segment of the modern economy, providing critical infrastructure for cloud services, artificial intelligence and secure communications. By attracting DC Blox, Indianapolis positions itself to compete for high‑value technology jobs and to diversify its tax base beyond traditional manufacturing.
Supporters argue that the community‑inclusion funds will address longstanding needs on the east side, from revitalizing a struggling mall to expanding workforce training for residents seeking tech‑focused careers. The infrastructure upgrades are also expected to improve roads, utilities and broadband access, laying the groundwork for future private investment.
Critics and concerns
Some community members have voiced concerns about granting large tax breaks to a private developer, questioning whether the projected tax revenue will materialize. Critics note that the abatement relies on the company’s own forecasts and that the long‑term economic impact remains uncertain.
Indy Economic Development has responded that the projected tax contributions are based on conservative estimates and that the community‑inclusion plan provides tangible, measurable benefits regardless of the company’s future performance.
Next steps
Stakeholders—including local business leaders, neighborhood associations and elected officials—are encouraged to attend the upcoming public hearings. Their input will help shape the final allocation of the community‑inclusion funds and ensure that the project aligns with the city’s broader goals of economic growth, family stability and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom funded by grants and donations, reported the story. For more information, contact reporter Darian Benson at 317‑397‑7262 or [email protected].
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
