[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6652356,"mediaKeyId","2493393-8e2c1f89fa940b2852525fd3e165ef99","parentId",2493393,"title","Planners propose new zoning rules for data centers; board presses on power, water and generator testing","audioSeconds",387,"startMs",5573000,"endMs",5960000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493393-8e2c1f89fa940b2852525fd3e165ef99&start=5573&end=5960","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493393-8e2c1f89fa940b2852525fd3e165ef99/thumbnail_5573000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6652356/York-County/Virginia/Planners-propose-new-zoning-rules-for-data-centers-board-presses-on-power-water-and-generator-testing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652356-9331264ce63994df4112ef5d7bcd1f76/orig.mp4?Expires=1771067775&Signature=nBFrG0xe2bTLYmH0cN~TFIwy6k0XGm~Gj0QO97I10z5AmT5Yu5Cu7q7jfRRfjDZ8OWe8JhItsZxcPWZNcidONMR~FsOGg3A6~xIPYCTZr~mQ4kdEPPa1cX3y2gbDFsixck3H9erIdbZQiHnnRyrfjSelb24IzzRewsWGlsbACc4jXxrGNG3sj5mDtMlRQQdsa1BcswnHVhyMB70EwyhRZxOwXQCxiD4BCZxbrWh0Btp5WQ7aQ4WNIIjbimFBadaihM47uNqggGWl7rwS6LpMQ~aq1OTXzdOJxFlhToqUybKVkMfwx-ElRgF-OaEQ-sKq~FzA5AIWt9zBquG2V7xf7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","York County","date","2025-03-04T00:00:00Z","article","Andy (planning staff) presented proposed amendments to the York County zoning ordinance on March 4 to add a definition of “data center,” permit data centers by special‑use permit in specified industrial districts, and impose performance standards covering energy and water capacity, noise, setbacks, buffers, architectural treatment and decommissioning.

Key elements of the draft ordinance: utility letters and capacity proof—applicants must submit letters from electric and public‑water utilities to show sufficient capacity and proximity to substations and transmission lines; water wells are expressly prohibited for data centers (staff said the policy aims to avoid local aquifer impacts); water‑conservation measures and recycling systems are required where feasible.

Noise standards in the draft require an ambient sound study measured at night (11 p.m.–5 a.m.) and model predicted noise levels; data centers must not exceed the measured ambient noise or 55 decibels at the property boundary, whichever is greater. Staff proposed acoustic screening around exterior mechanical equipment. The draft also limits on‑site generator testing to a specified window (staff noted the code of Virginia references restrictions tied to ozone season), but several supervisors and the board’s outside commenters urged a more restrictive testing schedule (for example, once per week for a short period) to limit disturbance.

Setbacks proposed: 200 feet from property lines and 500 feet from any residential dwelling; perimeter buffers of at least 50 feet with a Type 50 transitional planting requirement (evergreens/shrubs) and preservation of mature trees where feasible. Architectural requirements include a 35–foot maximum building height unless the board grants an exception, façade treatment standards for long, visible walls and screening for dumpsters, meters and above‑ground equipment. Staff also proposed decommissioning plans to address hazardous materials, fuel and battery storage when a data center ceases operations.

Supervisors asked staff for additional clarifications, especially on how power transmission upgrades (for example, higher‑voltage lines) would be financed and whether utility upgrades could produce costs borne by residents. Supervisors also asked staff to consider whether profit‑driven growth of server capacity after initial approval should require a return to the board if utility load or site intensity increases materially. The planning commission recommended approval; staff will revise the draft for public hearing and return with any requested clarifications.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","York County - Board of Supervisors - Mar 04, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Planning staff presented proposed zoning amendments March 4 to allow data centers in certain industrial zones by special‑use permit with new performance standards; supervisors pressed staff on utility capacity, water sourcing and how often on‑site generators may be tested.","taxTitle","York County, Virginia","taxId",38210,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652361,"Supervisors trim parts of six‑year CIP and ask schools for details on major Grafton High renovation costs",1278,5450000,6728000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493393-8e2c1f89fa940b2852525fd3e165ef99&start=5450&end=6728","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493393-8e2c1f89fa940b2852525fd3e165ef99/thumbnail_5450000.jpg","/articles/6652361/York-County/Virginia/Supervisors-trim-parts-of-sixyear-CIP-and-ask-schools-for-details-on-major-Grafton-High-renovation-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652361-bda7b349cb79c6d939354a925593d644/orig.mp4?Expires=1771067775&Signature=mYncDujcIbmB2vDahZl69tIpJfEK2Aqr2omALBwZoLBTTchfseQMmRGH35gPiQZBH~biBHC~fokqhj8CiI1zxH4zitCjG3FNjlIcyzF8c0krjdexUf1GOFZH6A2b5F1~-POnA1gWgqk1x9EghiRs67f8LbCoaGGPn1foaFHKJdz3r4C-t~d5bbpZjQBuWDlhFxapMsS3oY9T5wzWldKowSXLuTxs3i0gqEb-hBSArem~CUpD52~jrYG~7VvFd0qeJBdibX3wIj~lX5T7NfV7r5gqLMhh6PYId-Mrk~-jqHdyfn-q9w9bvVOqhSrQ8-UllQvI7AQaXv44BwLRndRhdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County Administrator Mark and staff reviewed the capital improvement program (CIP) with the York County Board of Supervisors at the March 4 work session, presenting cuts and timing changes the board requested and opening a broad conversation about debt limits and school projects.

The CIP as initially drafted showed roughly $226 million in general‑fund supported projects over six years, including school projects and other county capital. Supervisors asked staff to reduce or delay several projects; staff reported the board’s requested changes reduced the six‑year general‑fund CIP by about $11 million, which improved projected debt ratios but did not materially change near‑term FY‑26 financing pressure.

The board discussed the county’s debt policy targets: general‑fund supported debt principal under 3% of net assessed taxable value and annual debt service under 10% of general fund expenditures. Staff noted one option discussed at the board retreat would be modestly raising the 10% cap if paired with higher reserves; supervisors directed continued caution and asked for scenarios that show rating and reserve tradeoffs.

Much of the discussion focused on the school division’s proposed Grafton High School renovations. Supervisors asked for a detailed briefing from the division that breaks down the roughly $40–48 million figure in the division’s plan—particularly the $16–17 million geothermal/electrical upgrade line and associated items such as LED lighting and a new front entry and “Kiva” learning commons. Several supervisors asked the school division to provide more current design estimates, value‑engineering options and a return‑on‑investment analysis (energy savings estimates and payback period) before the board considers committing significant CIP funds.

Staff also raised other topics for future planning, including a placeholder for possible strategic property acquisitions, the county administration building space study and Berkeley staffing‑study items that may have capital implications. No formal CIP appropriation or bond authorization was voted at the work session; staff will bring refined CIP numbers as part of the FY‑26 budget process and return with additional information at follow‑up sessions.","Board members reduced several CIP line items totaling about $11 million over six years and asked school division officials to provide more detailed cost breakdowns and a return‑on‑investment analysis for proposed geothermal and building renovations at Grafton High School before approving major spending.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652366,"York County solid waste update: officials propose modest fee increase, seek recycling compliance",932,3068000,4000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493393-8e2c1f89fa940b2852525fd3e165ef99&start=3068&end=4000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493393-8e2c1f89fa940b2852525fd3e165ef99/thumbnail_3068000.jpg","/articles/6652366/York-County/Virginia/York-County-solid-waste-update-officials-propose-modest-fee-increase-seek-recycling-compliance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652366-764f55ea1ac81431ceee686b9595dd3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771067775&Signature=ig2Q7KoB4x-S9IPW-aOVBg6sULCisxbIirn2r64DZ9ubKlmgvOSgULB5~nuh3xudJlisVsZjk9AceQTl5rVhjRp3q6ncKkxXuI~ZCbnlBLgXM1Z2gm12E5QCRA4QpHppM5FSoXX5ha4hB~8pfwE2OKxV03i-0sIPMG3ZDbRgXYAZnZ5ud7H0F9Td6Fwov4Bigjw6u-eoBTYtzuidARfX~U5VPC9hm0G1RHxnJghteN0373q8uuoBmj~l9bjXTnCCLHB4ojRotAAVFR4Md7u9bbt4NBotSnybStSrGBtBcwBVZWdjBZN6PNkm4~S1x7z6AkuPgCd9LkWAPvbIyNzFtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brian (county staff) and Solid Waste staff updated the York County Board of Supervisors on March 4 about operations, outreach and a proposed fee adjustment for FY 2026 intended to close an operating shortfall.

Staff said solid waste is an enterprise fund intended to be self-supporting and that operating expenses have outpaced revenues in recent years. Increased contract costs, inflation, higher participation in the senior discount and greater collection volumes contributed to the gap. The county currently serves roughly 17,000 homes in the curbside program; last year about 500 households stopped combined garbage-and-recycling service and switched to garbage only after a fee change.

To avoid a projected deficit and reliance on general fund transfers, staff presented a proposed FY‑26 fee package described in the work session as “a little over $2” per bimonthly billing cycle on average across most tiers; staff said the recommended adjustments would eliminate a forecasted $375,000 shortfall and close a portion of the senior‑discount accounting issues that had created a larger-than-expected subsidy.

Staff described substantial outreach over the past year (social media, marketing, school and market engagement) and planned on‑the‑street audits of recycling to identify contamination (wrong items in curbside bins). Officials said contamination is increasing the cost of recycling because unacceptable materials raise processing costs.

Supervisors and staff discussed options to reduce costs or change service levels, including varying container sizes, reduced pickup frequency, contract design choices to encourage competition, and improved education targeted at households that place nonrecyclable items into recycling bins. Staff described plans to put the curbside trash contract out for bid in the coming year; curbside recycling contract expires later and will be renegotiated when its term ends.

No formal rate ordinance or board vote was taken at the work session; staff said the proposed fee changes will be included in the FY‑26 budget proposal and will be brought back for formal approval with the budget.","County staff briefed supervisors on solid waste operations and a proposed FY‑26 rate change intended to close an operating shortfall; staff also described outreach and recycling contamination challenges and options for contract savings.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652370,"Peninsula Community Foundation warns York County to prepare for rapidly growing 60-plus population",762,1420000,2182000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493393-8e2c1f89fa940b2852525fd3e165ef99&start=1420&end=2182","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493393-8e2c1f89fa940b2852525fd3e165ef99/thumbnail_1420000.jpg","/articles/6652370/York-County/Virginia/Peninsula-Community-Foundation-warns-York-County-to-prepare-for-rapidly-growing-60-plus-population","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652370-9bea5f513319321e42ee402da40be30f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771067775&Signature=Mb6ymU-nznbIBW0qah9tvUoik4Cb4mtTvc163K2T-qGx6icw4H6fkE~K6skc~uA0~CEunZvzEQhr8ejBtOy9-lZzVJgK6-TseNr5AYnl1sc~OIhdoL7FDpJ-p-PxuDh9z3Xyk-S0c6Mxn0OaaKKzDHRzk7kfE-yexRIaGwI0fGkmXx~0t2xMeEvcw31H5BUsZFchXkfwOfwbmmt7QjbxlqjAdRWmbR2lkBMYzPM8AcRBdolIq5dvg6SFG57oJak5zQPu-V3iUo9ahCqGgxH3f6DPz6H6Y9~VsWvpxLMfvDA~pFVmlNAdUaPsizE0jnss117VG2Tra3l6snJkMmt5bQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Adelia Thompson, chief executive officer of the Peninsula Community Foundation, told the York County Board of Supervisors on March 4 that the foundation’s pilot study on aging shows the Peninsula’s population age 60 and older has nearly doubled over 25 years and is forecast to grow further through 2030.

Thompson said the foundation convened municipal partners to fund the pilot and worked with the Peninsula Agency on Aging and outside researchers to compile the report. “Our job is to be the guy behind the guy,” Thompson said, describing the foundation’s role in connecting donors, nonprofits and government to address community needs.

The study highlights multiple practical pressures for county governments: a projected increase in older adults’ use of emergency medical services, higher demand for in‑home help and caregiving, and fiscal effects from an aging tax base. Thompson noted Give Local 757, the foundation’s annual day of giving, has raised more than $12.6 million in 12 years and that the foundation has channeled more than $37 million into the Peninsula through endowments and funds.

Margaret (social services), speaking during the presentation, described current adult-protective-services caseloads in York County: “As of today, we have 262 active adult services” and the department also handles ongoing guardianship reports and related expenses. She told supervisors that investigators and guardianship work already strain local resources.

Supervisors and staff discussed implications for local services and the workforce. County officials said EMS calls are concentrated in older age groups and that the county’s community paramedicine and mobile-integrated health programs are intended to reduce avoidable calls by connecting residents to services.

Thompson urged county leaders to use the study as a starting point: identify which audiences need this information, coordinate messages across municipalities, and pursue targeted next steps such as workforce strategies, housing options and “age‑friendly” living improvements.

The presentation prompted board members to ask for further, locally specific analysis and for the foundation to share the study widely with business, health care and education partners.

The report was described as a pilot of the foundation’s newly formed Center for Community Research; Thompson said the project was paid for by the Peninsula municipalities and conducted with researchers led by Elizabeth Hughes.","Peninsula Community Foundation CEO Adelia Thompson presented a regional aging study to the York County Board of Supervisors on March 4, saying the 60-plus population on the Virginia Peninsula has nearly doubled over 25 years and will drive higher demand for health care, home support and emergency services.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652351,"Board approves consent calendar at March 4 work session",27,6372000,6399000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493393-8e2c1f89fa940b2852525fd3e165ef99&start=6372&end=6399","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493393-8e2c1f89fa940b2852525fd3e165ef99/thumbnail_6372000.jpg","/articles/6652351/York-County/Virginia/Board-approves-consent-calendar-at-March-4-work-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652351-6e04993ac63a33f894633bdbd6c95539/orig.mp4?Expires=1771067775&Signature=Tta7gv2Ce-aatk3mHtJs1reLgGTa0GD54xmnCazLO44bO~sxPZwwwvhur4Z44m6DgjVw50yFVyljKVfUFEn8mCeMBmbnCJVlW4RauTmlHGLC7KzTQfPZVWlMeeOBmWkQTPnN2odQQ3q8-9TrCS8et68FGP036CpYi8AJoeKOK1wMrDhjezYR2BpdKoVvbIODAKcM5wNCp2-WTLa1ph98wnkr0iKogGDctCz5BBTvP4meZgnZFOuXHwYrhKEj569Bh-5J1OE81eHl3uNvy-Zqs1D2MISGJQTqbkZuUoxp41UIWdyquSXQoXEpxcWLHYDoflS5SKS5VcxwfIMoHx-HZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the March 4 work session the York County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the consent calendar, which included approval of minutes and several items such as a Peninsula eviction reduction pilot program and designation of an apartment complex as a revitalization area.

Supervisor Holroyd moved approval; a roll‑call vote recorded Yes votes from Holroyd, Drury, Rowland, Shepherd and Null. The chair declared the motion carried; no additional discussion was recorded.

Vote tally: Yes — Holroyd, Drury, Rowland, Shepherd, Null. No formal seconds were recorded in the transcript.","The York County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the meeting consent calendar, including minutes and several recognition and program items.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planners propose new zoning rules for data centers; board presses on power, water and generator testing

Supervisors trim parts of six‑year CIP and ask schools for details on major Grafton High renovation costs

York County solid waste update: officials propose modest fee increase, seek recycling compliance

Peninsula Community Foundation warns York County to prepare for rapidly growing 60-plus population

Board approves consent calendar at March 4 work session