24.10.2026, 18:09
SUNDAY OCT 25: Community Gathering Scheduled in Southeast Fort Wayne to Address Concerns for Air, Water, Wetlands, and Quality of Life Near Google Data Center
Protect Allen County Coalition invites you to join a nonviolent community gathering for Allen County residents, especially neighbors in New Haven living near Google’s Project Zodiac campus. Residents will share their stories and discuss solutions on air quality, wetlands and wildlife, energy affordability and grid reliability, and overall quality of life.
WHEN: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Parking & Shuttle at 6501 Wayne Trace, Fort Wayne, IN 46816
WHY NOW:
- Google’s developer has asked IDEM for 228 more emergency diesel generators, after IDEM approved 140+ more in April despite a public hearing where more than three hundred residents appeared in-person to oppose the request. If approved, Google’s data center campus would have over 400 industrial diesel-fueled generators on site.
- IDEM recently approved the destruction of 2.13 more acres of protected wetlands for Phase 3 of Google’s data center project. Evidence suggests unpermitted habitat destruction in recent months, violating the law and protections for endangered species. Three separate parties have filed appeals on this decision.
- Neighbors report noise pollution, around-the-clock and disruptive industrial lighting, hazardous roads, well-water concerns, and rising utility costs. Many say they have not received clear communication from the company or from local and state officials.
- On October 13, City Council defeated both a one-year data center moratorium as well as the Community Impact & Environmental Review Commission put forth by District 6 Councilwoman Rohli Booker. Councilwoman Rohli Booker, Councilman Geoff Paddock, and Councilman Russ Jehl all voted YES to both ordinances, but were outnumbered by the remaining members of City Council. Councilman Paul Ensley voted YES to the moratorium and NO to the commission while City Council President Martin Bender, Councilman Nathan Hartman, Councilman Dr. Scott Myers, and At-Large Councilwoman Michelle Chambers all voted NO on the moratorium and the commission. At-Large Councilman Friestroffer was absent from the vote. County Commissioner Ron Turpin has stated that he does not believe a moratorium or task force is necessary, and Mayor Sharon Tucker has not taken any measurable action to support residents and their concerns.
- Residents are also asking what Google’s land acquisitions and future energy plans mean for farmland, energy security, and quality of life. Google has announced its intent to purchase additional properties while residents report threats made of eminent domain as well as rumors of a second large-scale data center project coming to New Haven from a separate tech giant. The City of New Haven, led by Mayor Steve McMichael, also recently submitted a Notice of Intent to become a Nuclear Ready Community. This paired with news of AEP’s LuLu-Sorenson Transmission Project and adjacent projects raise questions about the future livability of our communities.
WHO WILL BE PRESENT: New Haven and Allen County neighbors, Protect Allen County Coalition organizers.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: Resident interviews (arranged on request), a press check-in table, and a designated media area. Please honor neighbors’ wishes if they prefer not to be filmed.
GROUND RULES: This is a peaceful, nonviolent event. Officials and company representatives are welcome to attend and listen. We ask those individuals to introduce themselves to an organizer. We will not identify you publicly unless you give consent.
Protect Allen County Coalition is a community coalition of neighbors working for transparency, clean air and water, affordable energy, and responsible development. For details, participants are asked to subscribe via email at ProtectAllenCounty.wordpress.com.
