Planning staff say Project Domino data center will reach Planning Commission in August; early utility and right-of-way work expected

Lebanon planning staff told the Board of Public Works and Safety on July 14 that Project Domino — a large data center project — will submit applications to the Planning Commission in August, including right-of-way vacation requests and a development plan. Planning staff said the developer has multiple county roads crossing the site and plans to vacate two of them while keeping a third in place. Notices and detailed plans will be sent out in the week following the July 14 meeting, staff said, and the developer anticipates early earthwork and demolition of vacant homes as soon as late summer. Why this matters: data centers can require substantial utility capacity and infrastructure changes. Board members asked about electric and water service readiness for large projects in the LEAP District; staff said much of the district lies in Boone REMC service territory and that the REMC and Wabash Valley Power are coordinating transmission solutions. Details: planning staff also said Lebanon Utilities is planning an expansion of the Chicago Street water treatment plant and that the site must be rezoned and have alley rights vacated before work begins. The planning department noted they would present both the utility-plant rezoning and Project Domino items at the August Planning Commission meeting. Timing and next steps: staff said Project Domino may begin limited earthwork in August or September and that public notices for Planning Commission hearings will follow city procedures. The transcript does not record final permit approvals or binding utility agreements; those remain separate processes. Ending: planning staff encouraged interested residents to review materials once they are published and offered that plans would be available for public review before the Planning Commission hearing.