Update on Indy – September 28, 2025: Indianapolis Community Wins, Utility Battles, and Smart Growth Ahead for Indy
- Michael-Paul Hart
- Sep 28, 2025
- 4 min read
By Councilor Michael-Paul Hart
Working to Make Indianapolis the Smartest City in America
Google Withdraws Petition – The Inside Story
You may have seen the headlines, but if you didn't, let me be the first to break it to you here: on Monday, Google
officially withdrew its petition to build the data center in Franklin Township. That means there was no council vote this week. It also means they could technically re-file at sooner since a withdrawal prevents the one-year waiting period. If the withdrawal paperwork isn’t completed by October 6, the City-County Council will still hold a hearing and take a vote.
I did a long-form interview with Fox covering this issue and broader city priorities you can check it out here. I also released a short video summary the day after the withdrawal if you prefer to watch.
🎉 🎉 Indianapolis Community Wins 🎉 🎉
I want to thank everyone who organized and joined Protect FT. This was a powerful moment of
civic engagement where people from across the political spectrum came together. Our Indianapolis community wins by coming together. It was also because Republicans and Democrats came together at the council and I am grateful for them having my back. I empathize with families who hoped to sell their land and understand their frustration, but I firmly believe this was the right decision for Indy.
Moving Forward
If Indiana wants to get data centers right, the State must take a serious look at incentives and abatements that strip tax contributions from local governments. Data centers don’t bring many jobs or residents to our county, yet they reduce the property tax base. If these projects are going to move forward anywhere in the state, both companies and the State must step up with transparency, accountability, and real financial support for local communities.
This fight shows exactly why Indianapolis needs to become the Smartest City in America, where decisions are data-driven, transparent, and community-centered. And it’s this type leadership on the council that’s making sure our neighborhoods are heard.
Meeting with Ginovus – Revitalizing Washington Street
This week I sat down with Ginovus, a firm that helps companies of all sizes identify the right sites, negotiate incentives, and manage growth projects. My message was clear: the East Side is open for smart growth.
I shared the community’s vision for revitalizing Washington Street and identified prime locations for businesses that would thrive in District 20. Ginovus works with Fortune 100s and startups alike, and I want to make sure our district is on their radar for future opportunities.
Attracting businesses to the East Side is a key part of building the Smartest City in America and it starts with intentional partnerships like this.
Homeless Encampment Along Pennsy Trail
One crisis winds down and another emerges. This week I received emails from Walmart and a
longtime blog reader / community member about a homeless encampment near the Pennsy Trail and East Washington Street. I visited the site myself with Walmart representatives, who expressed major concerns for public health and safety, not only for the individuals living there, but also for trail users and shoppers in the plaza.
The conditions are unacceptable. This is city-owned land, yet the camp has been neglected for over a year despite repeated warnings. I immediately contacted the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) and the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD). OPHS has the responsibility to prioritize these individuals for the Streets to Home program. MCPHD, however, told me they can’t even assess the site without OPHS authorization.
This bureaucratic back-and-forth is failing people. We cannot allow unsafe, unsanitary camps to linger while departments argue over jurisdiction. SmartIndy leadership will keep pressing for accountability, because in the Smartest City in America, we don’t look the other way when health and safety are at risk.
Next Week: Standing Up to AES
Looking ahead — on Tuesday, September 30, the Administration & Finance Committee will hear my General Resolution opposing the AES rate hike. This will be a public hearing where residents can testify.
Date: September 30th 2025
Location: City-County Council Building, Public Assembly Room
Time: 5:30 PM
If passed, the resolution makes it the official position of the Indianapolis City-County Council to urge AES to withdraw its petition. Following the vote, we will send a letter to the Governor and the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
This is your chance to push back against rising electric bills. If you oppose the hike, please show up, testify, and make your voice part of the public record. Together we can hold utility companies accountable and stand up for working families in Marion County.
My Commitment to Indy
Indianapolis can be the Smartest City in America when we listen to residents, use data, and lead with common sense. This week proved it. Google withdrew its petition for the Franklin Township data center after months of community input and tough questions. I sat down with Ginovus to keep smart growth moving on the East Side. I also pushed our agencies to address a serious encampment along the Pennsy Trail where health and safety are at risk. Next up, we take a stand on the AES rate hike so families are not asked to pay more for less.
Thank you for reading and for supporting common‑sense leadership. Together, and with the community driving accountability, we are turning bold ideas into real‑world results.
Accountability, Transparency and Local Leadership
See you next week with more updates from the Neighborhood.
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