Hobart Daily Briefing

Good morning, Hobart. It’s Saturday, February 7, 2026, and the big story in town is a contentious step forward for the Amazon data center proposal, with a busy weekend of local events close behind.

Amazon data center project clears fill‑permit hurdle

Hobart’s plan commission has approved a fill permit for the massive Amazon data center site near Colorado Street and 61st Avenue, following a tense meeting late this week. The vote was 5–3 in favor, allowing earthmoving work to begin even though a detailed site plan is not expected for several months.

Residents packed the meeting to object, raising concerns about noise, power use, air quality, flooding risk, and property values in nearby neighborhoods. Many argued that health, environmental, and noise studies should come before any permits. Supporters countered that the multibillion‑dollar project could bring long‑term jobs and much‑needed tax revenue as the city prepares for statewide tax changes.

The permit approval comes on top of earlier council actions granting tax abatements and a large “community enhancement” payment tied to the project. Opposition groups say they will continue pressing for more transparency, independent experts, and stronger local rules before additional approvals are granted.

Weekend events: comedy, quiet time, and soup

After a busy week at City Hall, downtown is leaning into lighter fare tonight. The Art Theater on Main Street is hosting a Chicagoland stand‑up comedy showcase this evening, bringing regional comics to Hobart for a 7:30 p.m. show.

Just a few blocks away, the First Unitarian Church of Northwest Indiana is in the middle of a full weekend schedule. After a game night on Friday, the church holds an early‑morning meditation session today and a “Souper Soup Sunday” fellowship lunch at noon tomorrow, welcoming neighbors who want a low‑key way to connect.

Real estate watch: bi‑level home listed on E 38th Avenue

On the housing front, a three‑bedroom, two‑and‑a‑half‑bath bi‑level home on East 38th Avenue has just been listed around the mid‑$200,000s. The one‑owner property includes a lower‑level recreation room and offers plenty of space for updating to a buyer’s taste. It’s a snapshot of a local market where longtime owners are beginning to test demand as major investment plans move ahead nearby.

Sunrise, sunset, and a quick look ahead

Today’s sun rose over Hobart at about 6:54 a.m. and will set around 5:11 p.m., slowly adding a few minutes of daylight each day. With big decisions about growth still unfolding and community groups staying active, residents will have many chances in the coming weeks to say how they want that future to look.

Sources

• https://abc7chicago.com/amp/post/city-hobart-indiana-votes-approve-fill-permit-controversial-amazon-data-center-proposal/18550806/
• https://www.newsminimalist.com/articles/hobart-commission-approves-amazon-data-center-fill-permit-despite-resident-objections-bb02bf0f
• https://hobartdatacenters.org/
• https://www.eventbrite.com/e/talkativechic-presents-chicagoland-stand-up-comedy-show-tickets-1964598872112
• https://www.uunwi.org/
• https://www.generalblue.com/sunrise-sunset-in-hobart-indiana-usa
• https://www.coldwellbanker.com/in/hobart/2112-e-38th-ave/lid-P00800000H5sl8EyxzHWlkMEfiy2mM4wg5fGvvj8