Council delays and tables Google data‑center resolutions after weeks of constituent concerns

Councilman Yale introduced three resolutions on June 16 aimed at increasing oversight and public engagement related to Project Zodiac, the Google data‑center development in Southeast Fort Wayne. The proposals included creating a Data Center and Community Quality of Life Task Force, requesting information about tax abatement and economic development agreements, and asking for a report on the use of land‑sale proceeds and guidelines for remaining funds to benefit Southeast Fort Wayne.

Yale said many constituents continue to bring concerns — from permanent chemical contamination to light and noise pollution, water and electricity usage, and where sale proceeds and TIF dollars are being spent — and that the task force would create a standing forum where city staff, the administration and community members could respond directly to questions. He framed the move as a response to sustained public skepticism and a desire for transparency.

Administration officials pushed back on several factual points in the draft resolutions and asked for time to correct or clarify them. Staff said they had already provided some reporting: early 2025 compliance reporting showed 85 full‑time on‑site jobs with an average wage above $91,000, private investment of roughly $3.5 billion so far versus an original ten‑year taxpayer agreement target of $845 million, and that TIF revenues from the project are legally required to be spent in the Southeast TIF boundary. Community development staff also said they had conducted tours and met with numerous local contractors during the construction phase.

After extended floor debate the council voted to hold the task‑force resolution (G260631) for three weeks to allow further discussion and drafting (vote recorded as 8–0). Council then voted to table the abatement/info resolution (R26‑06‑32) by a do‑pass‑style motion (8–0). A motion to table the proceeds/report resolution (R26‑06‑33) resulted in a 4–4 tie and failed; the author then withdrew R26‑06‑33 after staff agreed to provide the requested information and monthly redevelopment updates that include land‑sale proceeds reporting.

Public comment following the committee session included dozens of speakers. Many residents urged greater transparency, independent environmental testing and citizen representation on any advisory group. Several speakers argued for clawing back tax abatements or for clearer accounting of whether proceeds have benefited Southeast Fort Wayne. Others supported the city’s economic approach, citing large private investment, sizable early payments and higher‑than‑required wages for on‑site positions.

The action leaves the task‑force idea alive but paused for further drafting and staff engagement. Council members asked for specific reporting from community development and city utilities in the coming weeks so the body and the public could review accurate, audited information before any final votes on compliance or abatement-related decisions.

Next steps: the hold means committee staff will prepare follow‑up briefings and documentation for a return to committee in approximately three weeks, and administration staff said they would circulate the latest compliance reporting and redevelopment‑fund updates in advance.