Residents report clinic progress, raise data-center and meeting-notice concerns during public comment

During the public comment period at the Feb. 10 meeting, residents and stakeholders provided several updates and raised concerns to the Board of Supervisors.

Thomas Schwartz said a nurse-practitioner clinic is preparing for a May 1 opening; he reported asbestos discovery (about 192 square feet of linoleum containing asbestos), that removal permits are underway and estimated to take about two weeks, and that major insurers including Medicare and Medicaid have credentialing in process. He asked to meet with county officials about outstanding issues.

Betty Myers raised a procedural concern about the public comment sign-up sheets, saying their location was unclear and suggesting the board announce where the sheets are at the start of meetings to help citizens participate.

Tim Martin, a District 2 resident, urged the board to reconsider interest in recruiting data centers. Martin said data centers often deliver limited long-term local employment (many operational staff are specialists likely hired from outside), consume substantial water for cooling that could strain reliance on well water, and place heavy electricity demands that may require new generation capacity; he also referenced regional Dominion Energy plans for new plants in nearby areas. Martin asked the board to consider local resource impacts before welcoming data center development.

Other public commenters highlighted local community events and volunteer efforts during the recent winter weather event and encouraged broader community use of Camp Parsons for youth groups.