Powhatan planning commission recommends rezoning 55.46 acres on Anderson Highway; public raises data‑center, traffic and trail concerns

The Powhatan County Planning Commission recommended approval 5-0 on Feb. 4 of rezoning case 25-01-REZ, a request to rezone roughly 55.46 acres on the north side of Anderson Highway from A‑10 (agriculture) to Light Industrial 1 with proffered conditions.

The commission’s vote follows a staff presentation that described the four parcels (tax map parcels referenced in the staff report) as roughly 60% wooded, bisected by intermittent streams and adjoining existing commercial and industrial uses including Walmart and a quarry. Planning staff said proffers from the applicant include a 75‑foot setback from Anderson Highway, a Type B intermittent buffer adjacent to wetlands and a permission for the county to install a pedestrian trail in a 70‑foot area at the front of the property if desired. Staff noted any development would require a site plan and review by county departments and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

Why it matters: The site is designated gateway business/industrial on the…