FORT WAYNE -- An opposition group is pressing forward with public protests and meetings over Google's data center project in southeast Fort Wayne, even as the company says the facility is already operating.
Members of Fort Wayne Data Center Action say there is still time to influence the project, arguing that much of the site remains under development and that key permits are still being reviewed. The group hosted an informational meeting Monday night and has scheduled several events this week aimed at increasing public involvement.
The group is encouraging residents to attend city and county meetings, submit public comments, and ask questions about the project's long-term impacts. Organizers say their goal is to make sure the public fully understands how the data center could affect the community before additional construction moves forward.
Activists raised concerns ranging from environmental impact to economic benefits, questioning whether the project delivers enough value to local residents. Some speakers said they want the city to reconsider tax abatements granted to Google, arguing the agreement was approved before the full scope of the project was clear.
Opponents also voiced concerns about air pollution and energy use, saying the facility's operations more closely resemble a power plant than a traditional business park. They argue that distinction matters when it comes to zoning and environmental oversight.
The group's "week of action" includes additional public meetings, coordinated attendance at a Fort Wayne City Council meeting, and participation at a county commissioners meeting later this week.
Google has said the data center is open, but Fort Wayne Data Center Action maintains that ongoing permitting and construction mean changes are still possible. The group says it plans to continue pushing for greater transparency and public accountability as the project moves ahead.