Update on Indy – September 14, 2025: Google Data Center at Council, Washington Square Fines, School Dollars
- Michael-Paul Hart
- Sep 14
- 4 min read
By Councilor Michael-Paul Hart
Working to Make Indianapolis the Smartest City in America
City-County Council Highlights
Google Data Center Indianapolis Debate - What’s Next
We succeeded in the first step by calling for a hearing for the Google data center zoning. Here is the timeline:
Sept 17: Required mediation between parties
Sept 22 at 6:00 PM: Final Council vote at the City-County Building
Rally at 6:00 PM outside
Meeting starts at 7:00 PM inside
Why it matters: Smart growth means the numbers work for residents. To build the Smartest City in America, we say no to projects that cannot show their math. On September 22, the Council has the authority to halt the data center project due to its lack of a clear utilities plan, credible economic analysis, and measurable benefits to residents. But we need you there to help get it across the finish line!
Show Up & Be Heard
Where: Indianapolis City-County Council Building – Public Assembly Room
Address: 200 E Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 (2nd Floor)
When: Arrive by 6:00 PM for the rally. Meeting starts at 7:00 PM.
Bring: A neighbor who cares about smart development.
Public Safety & Community Voices
My public safety package was voted down, and the parental curfew item was tabled. That does not end the work. Over the last few weeks, we built partnerships, collected data, and refined ideas. Some pieces may advance with state partners.
What’s next:
Continue working with community leaders and support families
Continue development on items that have support and measurable outcomes
Publish clear metrics so residents can track progress (SmartIndy Report Cards are coming soon)
Want to help? Share a practical public-safety or other idea, and we will route it to SmartIndy for
follow-up.
Hidden School Funding Shift
A little-noticed ordinance changed county income tax percentages after schools had already set
budgets.
Warren Township takes about a $300,000 hit this school year
Franklin Township appears to face a similar reduction
The Council passed the change 22–3. I voted no
Bottom line: Classroom dollars should be stable and predictable. That is how a SmartIndy treats education partners.
Hammer & Nigel Preshow
I joined Hammer & Nigel for an extended 15-minute segment covering the data center, budget accountability, and neighborhood priorities. If you want the plain-English version of what’s happening at City Hall, start here.
Watch:
Washington Square Mall - Enforcement Update
Here is a clear summary so you do not need to dig through the docket:
Four active Notices of Violation at 10202 E Washington St
Two repair cases heard on Sept 4
Roof leak and ceiling damage: not in compliance
Fine $2,500 plus $2,500 per day until fixed
Next court date Sept 18
Inadequate A/C and heat: not in compliance
Fine under advisement due to moderate temps at reinspection
Next court date Sept 18
Two trash orders issued for high weeds, grass, and large rubbish
Referred for cleaning and billing
Water main issues: Housing and Food Safety investigated on Aug 22
No new orders that day; food vendors were reminded to stop service during any outage and notify the Health Department immediately
Track the cases: Search mycase.in.gov using cause numbers 49D33-2505-OV-014963 and 49D33-2412-OV-035392.
Classroom Visit - IPS School 43
I joined community leaders at James Whitcomb Riley School 43 on Sept 9 to listen, learn, and support student success.
What I learned:
IPS serves about 31,000 students across a wide mix of schools and programs. The district reports real gains this year. IREAD jumped 10 points to 87.3 percent. James Whitcomb Riley grew by 28 points. IPS outperformed independent charters on SAT overall and for Black and Latinx students. Teacher pay has risen 27 percent since 2017 to about 74,000, and retention is now 88 percent.
This is what a smarter Indy looks like. To keep the momentum, funding must be stable and predictable. That is why I press for transparency at City Hall and why I voted against the midyear tax shift that cut classroom dollars.
The Indianapolis Propylaeum - Derby for a Cause
I was honored to support The Indianapolis Propylaeum at the Delaware Street Derby on Sept 12.
This women-led institution preserves a historic landmark, uplifts arts and culture, and connects women leaders from across our city. The evening raised funds for restoration, education programs, and community events that keep the mansion open and active for the public.
Why it matters: SmartIndy protects its heritage and grows leadership networks that help neighborhoods and small businesses thrive. Partnerships like this create spaces for mentorship, civic dialogue, and local arts. That is how we build a city that is both proud of its past and ready for the future. I am championing these community investments because they strengthen families and create opportunity.
Get involved: Tour the mansion, attend a program, or become a member. Volunteers and partners are welcome.
My Commitment to Indy
We are delivering practical solutions for Indianapolis: pushing transparency on the data center, protecting classroom dollars, enforcing standards at Washington Square, and partnering with community leaders to improve public safety. This is how I am helping lead Marion County and how we move toward the Smartest City in America.
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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