Growing up on the East Side of Indianapolis, I've always cherished the sense of community and resilience that defines our neighborhood. This isn't just a place on the map for me; it's home. I routinely stroll through Irvington, feeling the pulse of life in its streets, and I live nearby, where I’ve witnessed the close-knit bond shared by its residents. Now, it feels like our community is under siege.

DC BLOX, a major data center corporation, is attempting to use our vital resources under the pretense of benefiting us. They think they can bully us out of our water, electricity, and clean air—all while promising to redirect our tax money back to us. However, what they offer comes at a steep price: degradation of our environment and quality of life, increased utility costs, and irreversible changes to the landscape we treasure.

This isn't the first time corporations have tried to exploit neighborhoods like ours, but it can be the last—forging a path where the voices of residents come first, not corporate greed. DC BLOX plans to tap into our precious natural resources, which could lead to significant impacts on our air quality and water supply. Communities across the nation have experienced similar situations where such projects have led to the deterioration of local resources and increased pollution.

Moreover, they aim to funnel tax dollars away from our community-centered projects. These are projects that build playgrounds for children, support elderly care services, and improve public transport—initiatives that are cornerstone to sustaining the social fabric of our area. By allowing DC BLOX an unchecked path, we risk losing the essence of what makes our neighborhoods vibrant and livable.

But this is not the end of our story. We must unite and demonstrate our community’s strength. We have the power to voice our concerns and demand transparency and respect from corporations. Together, we can hold DC BLOX accountable for their actions and ensure that any development benefits the community at large, rather than just corporate shareholders.

Sign this petition to help stop DC BLOX from exploiting our community’s resources and to show that our voices matter. Stand with us in preserving the integrity, health, and future of our neighborhood.

There is a hearing that will take place in the public assembly room of the City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St. on June 11th, 1:00 PM.