Indianapolis' first attempt to set uniform rules for data center development is moving forward despite passionate calls to hit pause on the process.

Why it matters: The city has approved multiple controversial data centers in the past few months with no dedicated zoning category governing them.

• Yesterday's hotly contested Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission (MDC) vote was a labored first step toward changing that for future projects.

Zoom in: Following an hourlong protest outside and more than 90 minutes of discussion inside, the MDC approved the Department of Metropolitan Development's (DMD) proposed data center zoning regulations in a 5-3 vote, which drew loud boos and bursts of profanity from the crowd.

Here is some of what changed between the April draft and the advancing version.

🔊 Noise: The original cap was a general 65 decibels — comparable to a normal conversation or busy street — "at all hours" at the property line.

• The amended draft lowered that level to 55 decibels, but the MDC settled on a more specific maximum of 65 dBA while stressing the need for experts to assess frequency noise produced by the facilities.

📏 Distance: The original buffer of 200 feet between a data center's main building and the property line of a "protected district" was extended to 400 feet.

• Members of the public at the hearing proposed a buffer of 1,500 fee, pointing to the city of Valparaiso proposing setback of 1,000 feet, but the MDC did not present an amendment to extend the distance.

📃 Annual reporting: The amended version adds the requirement of a formal annual compliance report and a public-facing online dashboard showing monthly electric and water consumption, peak use and generator testing dates.

Yes, but: Neither version applies retroactively to Indianapolis neighborhood data centers in the pipeline.

• The rules would apply if an existing data center sought to expand.

The other side: Critics including City-County Councilor Jesse Brown said instead of creating guidelines, the city should be pursuing a moratorium, like the symbolic pause unanimously supported by the council in May.

• Protesters said the current plan fails to address data center size requirements, long-term environmental impacts, training plans for local departments in the event of a fire and the impact low frequency sound production could have on residents with special needs.

What's next

As Indianapolis writes its data center rulebook, the facilities are causing negative sentiment around artificial intelligence to spike, according to new polling by a consulting firm that counsels leading AI labs and tech startups.

Why it matters: New findings from Milltown Partners, shared first with Axios, highlight how data centers have become a stand-in for broader anger at an AI future many Americans don't want but fear they'll have to pay for.

By the numbers: Milltown's findings suggest the public remains divided on data centers, with direct opposition not yet the majority view. But nearly half of the respondents support a temporary construction ban.

• 38% of respondents said they would support building a data center near their home, while 34% would oppose it.
• Meanwhile, 49% support a moratorium on the construction of new data centers, while only 16% oppose it.

Go deeper

💰 Memorabilia owned by late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay brought in more than $10 million yesterday as New York City-based auction company Christie's hosted its fourth Irsay sale this year. (IBJ)

🎣 The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is accepting art and photo submissions from all Hoosiers of all ages to be used for the state's hard-card licenses for fishing, hunting and trapping. The submission deadline is July 31. (WRTV)

🏀 The Pacers have added veteran guard Kelly Oubre Jr. to the roster, picking up the free agent with a two-year deal worth nearly $17 million. (WTHR)

🛒 Kroger is buying Giant Eagle, owner of the Market District supermarkets, in a deal valued at $1.65 billion. The transaction is expected to close next year. (IndyStar)

The Circle City is getting star-spangled this weekend in honor of July 4 and America250.

Yes, but: Indy's events calendar has even more fun to offer beyond the fireworks shows and patriotic festivals.

🕺 Dance the night away with Derek Hough when the Emmy Award-winning performer brings Symphony Of Dance: Encore to Old National Centre, 7:30pm today.

• Tickets start at $64.

🎵 Catch some laid-back live tunes when Secret Foxes and Toy Factory take the stage for the Clay Terrace Summer Concert Series, 6pm today.

• Free. Lawn chairs encouraged.

🎼 If you prefer your concerts on the canal, head to the Indiana History Center at 6pm today for a free performance by Brian Deer and Joshua Silbert.

🎤 Share your talent with the world during a free poetry open mic night at Irving Theater, 7pm today.

🖼️ Head back to Irving Theater at 6:30pm tomorrow to celebrate local creators during the free Irvington First Friday Art event.

⚔️ Embrace your medieval side with Indy-based fantasy live-action role-playing (LARP) group Gryphon's Perch at Paul Ruster Park, noon Sunday. Free.

🎉 Celebrate another year of food, fun and adorable animals on Indy's southeast side when the 95th annual Marion County Fair starts tomorrow, 7300 E. Troy Ave. Gates open at 5pm on weekdays and noon on weekends.

• Tickets are $10 for adults and free for kids 5 and under.
• Members of the military and first responders also get in free with valid ID.
• General parking is $7, and premium parking is $10.

More weekend picks

All aboard! The Indiana State Fair has a new way of getting around the grounds this summer.

Driving the news: The fair is rolling out two guest trains in partnership with North American Midway Entertainment.

• Each train can hold about 90 passengers.
• Guests will board at a newly constructed depot and take a 15-minute round trip on a one-mile track that loops through key areas on the north side of the State Fairgrounds.
• Rides are $5 per passenger. Midway tickets are also accepted.

What they're saying: "Bringing the State Fair Train and depot to the Indiana State Fairgrounds is a dream come true," Danny Huston, CEO of North American Midway, said in a statement.

• "My goal has always been to create a place where families can slow down, share a moment, and make memories that last."