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Council tables Halifax Road option for data‑center mitigation; seeks wetlands and parcel details
Summary
Council voted to table an ordinance authorizing an option agreement to convey 3501 Halifax Road after members raised questions about wetlands, parcel consolidation and acreage. Staff said the revised parcel excludes wetlands and totals 94.131 acres; council asked for more detailed mapping and return of the development agreement.
PETERSBURG, Va. — City Council on March 18 tabled action on an ordinance that would authorize the city manager to execute an option agreement and convey property at 3501 Halifax Road tied to mitigation for a larger Collier’s Yard data‑center project.
Staff explained the request covers 94.131 acres after excluding identified wetlands; earlier materials referenced a larger parcel but staff said the current plan excludes wetland areas. Council members and residents pressed for clearer maps showing the parcels, why wetlands were excluded, and how the Halifax parcel relates to a previously discussed 179‑acre transaction associated with Collier’s Yard.
Why it matters: The parcel is a component of mitigation for wetlands impacts associated with a proposed data‑center development. Council tabled the measure to allow staff to provide consolidated parcel and wetlands mapping and clarified the development agreement and purchase terms prior to any conveyance.
What council discussed - Wetlands and acreage: Barb Rudolph and other councilors noted the parcel shown in the packet differed from earlier references; staff explained the revision excludes the wetland boxes and results in the 94.131‑acre option now before council. - Relationship to Collier’s Yard: Council members requested clarification about how the Halifax parcels will be used to mitigate wetlands for the Collier’s Yard site and whether the total acreage conveyed to the developer would increase the total land sold beyond earlier figures. - Process: Staff noted the development agreement and additional due diligence remain; the Warrington Group (developer representative) was not present. Council said the development agreement and more detailed maps must come back before any sale is finalized.
Council action: Motion to table the ordinance passed unanimously. Council directed staff to return with detailed mapping, the development agreement and complete answer to parcel and wetlands questions before resuming consideration.
Ending note: Councilors requested the developer and Warrington Group present in future meetings to answer remaining technical questions about mitigation and site design.
