Residents urge Dublin to limit data centers; FOIA release shows near‑break‑even fiscal model for West Innovation District

Two Dublin residents used the public comment period at the Oct. 20 Dublin City Council meeting to raise concerns about data center development, the West Innovation District (WID) rezoning process and a perceived lack of transparency in fiscal analysis.

Angela Griffin, who introduced herself from 5559 Kenborough Lane, asked council to “not allow any more data centers in Dublin,” citing environmental and quality‑of‑life concerns. Griffin asked council to follow Jerome Township’s lead and consider a moratorium or to prohibit data centers through zoning changes. She said she would submit additional information and asked council to “represent the residents over being innovative.”

Tim Myers, who identified himself as a Ballantrae and Hoosier Road resident, said WID residents had repeatedly asked for fiscal modeling tied to the WID rezoning after the council tabled the rezoning discussion on April 7. Myers said staff and council had told residents no analysis existed or it was too early to tell. Myers said he filed a public records request on July 31 asking for fiscal modeling, and on Sept. 3 he received a Tishler Bice summary.

According to Myers’ summary presentation to council, the consultant’s summary estimated that over a 27‑year period Dublin would incur roughly $1,120,000,000 in operating and capital costs to generate roughly $1,140,000,000 in revenue — a difference Myers described as about $670,000 per year over 27 years and characterized as a 0.4% positive impact to the city budget. Myers said his follow‑up public records request (filed Sept. 15) seeking underlying calculations was not satisfied by a response on Oct. 14 and that the detailed calculations he requested were not included.

Myers said the summary and delays in receiving responsive records raised transparency and accountability concerns and asked staff to improve outreach and collaboration with WID residents during the zoning update process. He also asked when residents could expect to engage in the zoning code update.

Council and staff responded publicly that planning staff would reach out to residents about timelines and engagement opportunities.

Ending: Residents requested a moratorium or zoning prohibitions on data centers and greater transparency on fiscal analysis; staff said planning staff would follow up with the residents about timelines and the zoning code process.