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Wythe County residents press board on proposed data center; draft land-use ordinance sent back for revision
Summary
Multiple Wythe County residents raised environmental, cultural and surveillance concerns about a proposed data center in Progress Park; the Board referred a draft land-use classification ordinance back to the Planning Commission for revisions and a joint review based on public feedback.
Several residents urged the Wythe County Board of Supervisors on May 26 to reconsider the county’s approach to data centers, citing environmental risks, cultural-resource gaps in planning documents and privacy concerns.
"To be clear to all of you ... I never voiced, suggested, or implied that you would make a decision for this county that would negatively impact your grandchildren," resident Stacy Beamer told the board, rebutting comments from supervisors at a prior meeting and urging preservation of the county's rural character.
Other speakers pressed for formal land-use changes and deeper environmental review. "Please rescind your January 25th resolution welcoming data centers to Wythe County," said Andy Kegley, who asked that data centers and solar farms be regulated by right only in specific commercial and industrial districts and urged sending proposed ordinance tweaks to the Planning Commission. Sarah Bates asked the county to produce a single comprehensive plan and an environmental assessment that includes Native and Black cultural resources and examines wildlife impacts such as bats. "I don't view it as separate fragmented pieces. I view it as we got to look at the whole picture," she said.
Opponents also raised potential infrastructure and public-health concerns, including water and electrical demands. "Is there anything that a data center can give us other than money that people want?" asked Denise Davis, noting a reported $10 million community payment offer from the company Solis Arx. Joe Upcavage expressed broader privacy concerns tied to surveillance technology, saying "all of our information is being sold" and urging vigilance.
The public-comment period included at least one speaker who defended locating a data center in Progress Park, noting the park was developed for industrial uses. "This is a data center being built exactly where it was intended to be built," Cindy McIlrath said, while also acknowledging legitimate questions about water, taxes and power.
After the public-comments portion, the Board discussed the draft land use classification ordinance and public feedback. Deputy County Administrator Matthew C. Hankins summarized three public input sessions and said staff could provide a summary of deleted or updated code references. Chair James D. "Jamie" Smith said designating most areas agricultural except obvious commercial and industrial zones could address many concerns.
Supervisor Stacy A. Terry moved, and Vice Chair J.W. "Dicky" Morgan seconded, to refer the draft land-use classification ordinance back to the Planning Commission for revisions based on the public input and to hold a joint meeting to review updates. The motion passed unanimously.
What happens next: the Planning Commission will examine the public input and recommended edits and return a revised draft to the Board for scheduling of a public hearing. The Board took no formal vote on any specific project or on rescinding the January 25 resolution at the May 26 meeting.
