Residents of Indianapolis’ Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood could receive at least $22.5 million under a proposed tax-incentive deal for a $3.4 billion data center, but key decisions about who will manage the money and where it will go remain unresolved ahead of an Oct. 21 hearing. The project, planned by Los Angeles-based Metrobloks at 2505 N. Sherman Drive, has drawn sustained neighborhood opposition since it was proposed for the former Sherman Drive-in Theater site. The company has permission to break ground following an April rezoning approval, while the tax package still awaits a final vote by the Metropolitan Development Commission. The draft deal projects more than $183 million in property-tax savings for Metrobloks and companies that lease space in the center. The overall savings are estimated at about 87%. Metrobloks would receive a 15-year property-tax abatement worth $12.9 million and a 10-year personal-property-tax abatement worth $14.3 million. Future tenants could save more than $128 million on taxes for equipment housed at the facility. The center is expected to create 35 full-time jobs. Based on that estimate, the incentives amount to roughly $5.2 million per job. Metrobloks has pledged at least $22.5 million for neighborhood benefits, with up to another $10 million potentially available later. The package could fund street, park and alley improvements, as well as a community grant program. At a public meeting Oct. 7, residents argued over both the proposed incentives and how to approach the promised investment. The meeting at the Frederick Douglass Family Center grew heated as Indy Economic Development Inc. President and CEO Andrea Richter-Garry outlined the money under discussion. IEDI, a nonprofit created by Mayor Joe Hogsett to negotiate tax-incentive packages, has faced criticism from residents who question its support for data-center development. Cierra Johnson, a community organizer and president of One Voice Martindale Brightwood, said she opposes the project but sees potential value in investing in schools, workforce training and affordable housing if it proceeds. “My best-case scenario is that the development does not happen,” she said. “But if the development is forced on us, and we are able to benefit in some way, I think that there’s a lot of programming that would be good for the neighborhood.” Other organizers questioned whether residents are being meaningfully included in decisions. Josh Riddick of the Black Church Coalition said the process felt “fraudulent,” arguing that officials have deferred answers until the hearing, where a different body will make the decision. Councilor Ron Gibson, who represents the area and supports the project, called it a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity and said the neighborhood deserves the investment. IEDI says the final package will include a partner to administer the funds and rules for directing benefits toward residents, particularly those closest to the project. Richter-Garry said that work is ongoing. Gibson said he has spoken with at least three foundations that might distribute the money, but no organization has been selected. The first funds are not expected to be allocated for at least a year. The debate is sharpened by questions about who can access the project’s jobs. About 12% of neighborhood residents have education beyond high school, according to 2024 census projections, while the data center’s relatively few permanent positions are expected to require advanced skills. Johnson said workforce training could help residents pursue better-paying work. The Metropolitan Development Commission hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. at the City-County Building, though the vote could be delayed. No additional neighborhood meetings were scheduled before the hearing.