A proposed $2 billion data center in Shelbyville, Indiana, is drawing new attention after The Verge reported that Mayor Scott Furgeson was caught on camera disparaging some residents opposing the project. The dispute centers on local resistance to a major data center development and the political backlash around “No Data Center” signs appearing across the city.
The story highlights the growing tension around AI and cloud infrastructure projects as large data centers move closer to residential communities. While developers pitch economic benefits and technology growth, local residents are increasingly raising concerns about power use, water demand, noise, land use, and who ultimately benefits from the buildout.