Council approves rezoning for proposed Collier's Yard data center on Halifax Road

The Petersburg City Council voted April 15 to rezone a portion of city‑owned property at 2233 Halifax Road from the A (Agriculture) district to M‑1 (Light Industrial), clearing the way for a proposed Collier’s Yard development the applicant describes as a multi‑building data center complex.

Planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval with proffers; the commission’s recorded recommendation was in favor of approval. The applicant, represented by attorney Alexander “Sandy” Graham of Williams Mullen, told council the project would include up to six data‑center buildings totaling roughly 145,000 square feet and two electrical substations and described the rezoning as a way to convert underused, tax‑exempt city land into long‑term taxable development.

Neighbors and other residents spoke in opposition during the public hearing. James Beck, who said he lives adjacent to the parcel, questioned the developer’s data‑center experience and described the rezoning as a speculative land play. "We think this is misleading at best," Beck told council, saying he could find no evidence the applicant had developed a data center elsewhere.

The applicant and staff described multiple proffers and code requirements intended to reduce local impacts: a minimum 100‑foot setback where the site abuts residential areas; enhanced landscape buffers and architectural treatments; required pre‑ and post‑construction noise studies and sound mitigation for mechanical equipment; and a limit on generator testing to weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Staff also said the project would use closed‑loop cooling for water‑based systems unless an exception is granted by the director of public works.

Planning staff noted the comprehensive plan identifies the site as general industrial and that proximity to road and rail is a factor favoring industrial uses. The applicant agreed to coordinate with Dominion Energy and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to limit overhead power lines and to mitigate wetland impacts on the property.

Council approved the rezoning after a motion to adopt the ordinance. The council’s roll call showed unanimous votes in favor at the April 15 meeting. The record indicates proffers and a site‑plan review process will be required before any final building permits are issued.

Neighbors asked for more transparency and for assurances on long‑term uses; the applicant said the development would generate tax revenue, jobs and infrastructure investment. The city will require follow‑up reviews and building‑permit approvals and has noted that final site design, substation siting and utility arrangements will continue to be coordinated with city staff and state agencies.