Hanover County debates Iron Horse data center proposal amid traffic and environmental concerns

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting on December 11, 2024, featured significant discussions surrounding the proposed East Ashland residential development, with strong opinions expressed both in favor and against the project.

The meeting opened with a presentation on the conceptual plan for East Ashland, which includes two access points to Mount Herman Road. However, concerns were raised regarding the environmental impact, particularly the wetlands in the area. The applicant indicated that the Corps of Engineers would only permit one access point due to these environmental considerations.

Support for the project came from representatives of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 666, who highlighted the economic benefits of the development. Charles Skelly, the business manager for the local union, emphasized that the project would create job opportunities for electricians, many of whom reside in Hanover County. He noted that the data center industry provides stable, family-sustaining wages and benefits, and that the project would facilitate the training of new apprentices.

Conversely, several residents voiced their opposition, primarily focusing on traffic safety concerns. Dr. Tom Hubbard, a local resident, criticized the traffic study associated with the project, arguing that it failed to account for traffic coming from the south and the impact of an adjacent industrial road. He urged the board to require a revised traffic study before moving forward with the project.

Other residents echoed similar sentiments, expressing worries about the potential increase in traffic and the proposed building heights, which they felt would disrupt the rural character of the area. Concerns were also raised about the adequacy of the proposed buffers between the development and existing homes.

The meeting concluded with a call for the board to consider the long-term implications of the project on the community, including traffic safety and environmental preservation. As the board deliberates, the outcome of this proposal will significantly impact Hanover County's development trajectory and community dynamics.