Hobart Council adopts $30M appropriation after heated public hearing over data center impacts

HOBART — The Common Council of the City of Hobart voted 6-0 on May 20 to adopt Ordinance 2026-11, an additional appropriation from the Community Impact Fund that Council members said adds $30 million to the city’s 2026 general budget.

The vote followed a public hearing centered on resident concerns about a large data center project near 61st Avenue. Angelita Soriano, who signed her written comments into the record, told the Council that a Plan Commission approval does not make a project flawless: "Final does not mean flawless," she said, and asked the Council to order a supplemental review by city departments, independent experts and counsel before further permits or inspections proceed.

Council President Claussen and other members said written comments would be part of the record but noted that the public hearing rules for quasi-judicial proceedings generally require in-person testimony. Attorney Heather McCarthy told the audience that she had advised a petitioner in another matter that a state law change, effective July 1, 2026, might alter local zoning outcomes, and that written submissions would be accepted for the record.

Residents described local effects they attribute to construction activity at the site. "This is not something people should be breathing," said Alice Pawlowski, who showed Council members photos she said were residue on vehicles and reported neighbors with breathing problems. Barb Koteles presented similar photos and urged readiness to address health issues. Council members responded that responsibility for remediation depends on cause and could involve the developer, the City, and state agencies such as IDEM; Councilman Waldrop noted a proposed 'Residential Impact' category in the appropriation that could be used if validated claims arise.

Multiple speakers also pressed for clearer public access to agenda materials and remote-participation procedures. Marc Connery asked the City to add hyperlinks so remote viewers can see presentation materials referenced during meetings; Clerk-Treasurer Longer said meeting packets and ordinances are uploaded to the agenda page on the state's Gateway site. An emailed complaint from resident Bill Eich said he was muted when attempting to speak via Zoom during the public hearing and urged the Council to ensure remote participants can be heard at future hearings.

The Council amended Ordinance 2026-11 by renaming an account from "Youth Program Grants" to "Youth Programs & Non-Profits," then adopted the ordinance on second reading by roll call vote, all aye (6-0). Claussen reiterated that while the appropriation authorizes spending, the Board of Public Works approves individual claims and disbursements and that detailed spending will appear in city accounts and state audits.

The hearing produced several concrete requests from residents: an independent supplemental review of site plans and environmental impacts, a dedicated residential-protection fund or clearer remediation procedures, and improved remote-public-comment procedures. Council did not adopt new procedural rules at the meeting but agreed written comments would remain part of the public record. The City also set a public hearing on a separate right-of-way vacation for June 3.

The Council adjourned at 6:48 p.m.