Board members reiterate opposition to proposed DC Blocks data center, citing tax abatements and infrastructure concerns

Multiple board members used closing comments at the July meeting to reiterate opposition to the proposed DC Blocks data center and to encourage constituents to contact legislators.

A board member who said they helped write the board’s prior resolution opposing the project criticized recent Metro Planning District actions supporting the project and raised concerns about extensive tax abatements. "The personal property tax is really the biggest issue," the member said, noting proposed personal‑property abatements and arguing equipment placed inside data centers is often highly valuable yet receives abatements that reduce local tax receipts for schools, parks and public safety.

The board member also cited infrastructure worries, saying placements of data centers often fall in communities with constrained power and water systems and could increase local outages. "Building up that substation that sits right there is just such a small piece to the overall threat to the electrical and water systems," the member said, adding that long‑term environmental‑justice litigation is possible if siting patterns concentrate impact in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Other board members echoed the concern and called on residents to write legislators and engage publicly. Board members said the MSD Warren Township board stands by its unanimous resolution opposing the proposed DC Blocks project and pledged to continue outreach to elected officials.

No formal action on the project was taken at the July meeting; board members said the district will continue to monitor regulatory and planning developments and to communicate the district’s position to state and local representatives.