CHARLES CITY COUNTY, Va. — Neighbors in Charles City County expressed strong concerns at a Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday night regarding a proposed data center set to be built near residential areas.
The project, spearheaded by Diode Ventures, seeks to rezone 515 acres of agricultural land to industrial use for the construction of the Roxbury Technology Park, a large data center. If approved, the center would be built off of Charles City and Roxbury Roads, in close proximity to several homes. During the meeting, county officials emphasized the potential benefits of the project, which include substantial tax revenue, minimal public service requirements, and the creation of 50 to 100 permanent jobs.
“This project requires minimal public services, while generating significant tax revenue to fund community programs and improvements,” a presenter stated, underscoring the financial benefits that could be realized by the county.
However, residents living in the area of the proposed rezoning expressed strong opposition. Many voiced concerns about the long-term impact of the data center on their daily lives, including noise, construction disruptions, and the loss of the rural character that defines the area.
“We urge you to reject this rezoning proposal,” one concerned resident urged the board. Another neighbor added, “There are other locations that would be better options.”
The data center, which developers say could take 8 to 10 years to fully complete, would involve significant construction activity. With plans to build eight separate buildings, residents are worried about the constant noise and heavy construction traffic that would disrupt the peaceful nature of the area for years.
Brandi Marano, a local resident, expressed her frustration, saying, “There’s a constant hum with data centers, so it’s just constant noise. There’s going to be eight to 10 years of construction traffic. They said they’re going to build eight buildings at their last proposal. So there are so many things that concern me and other residents.”
Despite the backlash from neighbors, developers and county officials continued to highlight the benefits of the data center. They pointed to the job creation potential, improvements to the county’s electrical infrastructure, and the growth of the clean energy sector that data centers can bring. Officials also argued that the project aligns with the county’s comprehensive plan, which aims to maintain a rural character while introducing low-density jobs and minimal traffic.
“The data center industry has accelerated the economy while transitioning to clean energy,” one county representative noted during the meeting.
Some residents, however, questioned how such a project could be in line with the county’s rural-focused development plan. One resident raised doubts, saying, “I am struggling to understand how building a data center in a rural community would meet that goal.”
As the debate continues, it remains unclear whether the proposed data center will move forward. With both sides of the argument weighing heavily on the community’s future, the Charles City County Board of Supervisors will likely face tough decisions in the coming months regarding the rezoning request.
