A provisional‑use permit application for a data‑center project (Orana Wagner / Wagner Urban Logistics) was withdrawn from consideration at the Henrico County Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 14, staff told the board. Planning staff said they received a written withdrawal the evening before the meeting.

Several members of the public used the meetings public comment period and specific rezoning hearings to urge the board to scrutinize data centers and related industrial uses near residential neighborhoods. Speakers asked the county to pursue stronger buffers, tighter zoning controls and legislative changes to limit large industrial projects close to schools and homes.

Why it matters: Data centers, backup power generators and associated infrastructure can raise concerns about traffic, noise, air emissions from diesel generators, lighting and increased energy demand. Multiple speakers also warned about off-site uses associated with data-center campuses — including large-scale equipment storage and small industrial facilities — that they said could create blight or add pollution near neighborhoods.

What happened at the meeting:
- Planning staff reported a withdrawal of the Wagner Urban Logistics provisional‑use permit; no vote was required.
- Public commenters — including residents of Darbytown Road, Newmarket Village and other neighborhoods — urged the board to expand buffers, limit data centers close to schools and require stronger environmental and emergency‑planning review.
- A community speaker requested the county coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions and state legislators to ensure Henrico residents have a role in decisions on projects proposed immediately across county lines.

At the meeting, several commenters also raised the possibility that proposals in neighboring counties (referenced by speakers as projects in "Gutschland" and Hanover) could affect Henrico neighborhoods along shared borders and asked the board to seek interjurisdictional protections.

Board response and next steps: The board did not take immediate regulatory action at the meeting; staff and supervisors said they were monitoring the withdrawn application and the regional proposals. Supervisors encouraged continued community engagement and noted the county may pursue legal or legislative remedies where appropriate.

Speakers quoted during the meeting: "We would like to holistically continue to address a number of concerns including zoning reviews, environmental noise and energy concerns," (Jacqueline Bruce, resident) and multiple neighborhood speakers noted they were organizing and seeking direct engagement with county leaders.

The withdrawal leaves the parcel available for other potential buyers or future applications; neighbors were advised to watch planning filings and zoning records for new activity.