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Residents press Amherst County board to require special-use permits for data centers
Summary
Residents urged the Amherst County Board of Supervisors to change zoning so data centers would need a special-use permit instead of being allowed by-right, citing water, noise, property-value and transparency concerns; supervisors agreed to schedule further discussion and public Q&A.
Dozens of Amherst County residents used a packed public-comment period at the May 19 board meeting to urge supervisors to change county policy so data centers would require a special-use permit rather than being allowed by-right.
Sky Packett of Madison Heights told the board he had collected nearly 700 petition signatures in a week and asked supervisors to “support your constituents and join us in requesting an immediate change in zoning for, by right to special use permit.” Several other commenters echoed concerns about heavy water use, noise and long-term environmental effects.
Barbara Pryor, who said she represents District 2, urged the board to prohibit data centers in county code, arguing large installations “use up the water resources and … that's gonna cost all of us.” Theresa Allman asked the board to impose a moratorium on any data‑center plans until independent study and public input are complete, citing potential impacts she said include higher utility rates, contamination risks and noise.
Multiple residents also criticized the use of nondisclosure agreements connected with Economic Development Authority (EDA) negotiations. Robin Smith said a nondisclosure “explodes my mind” and that the board — which appointed the EDA members — bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring public transparency.
Supervisors responded that they have received constituent concerns and that some clearing of timber on an industrial‑zoned site near Kings Road was a condition of a prior property sale. Several supervisors asked staff to place a discussion of whether data centers should be a special exception on a future agenda; one suggested a public Q&A that would include EDA representatives to explain current status and the county’s role. No formal policy change was made at the meeting.
The board did not vote on zoning policy; next steps as discussed at the meeting include placing the matter on a future board agenda for discussion and potentially referring the question to the planning commission for review.
What happens next: Supervisors said they will schedule an agenda item and consider a dedicated public session so residents can get direct answers from staff and EDA representatives before any formal change is proposed.
