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Residents question county purchase of 600+ acres, urge limits on data centers and solar farms
Summary
Public commenters asked how the county will use a newly purchased 600+ acre tract, urged officials to keep the land rural, and called for a moratorium on data center development; speakers expressed concerns about water, community character and rapid data-center growth in Virginia.
At the start of public comment, several residents raised questions about a recent county purchase of more than 600 acres and the future uses the board is planning for that land. Joanne Clarkson asked why the county bought new land for social services when county-owned land may have been available, and requested a public hearing about the purchase and plans for keeping the property rural.
"How are you gonna keep it in rural?" Clarkson asked, saying she "bitterly opposed" solar-panel farms and data centers on that parcel.
Troy Nix urged a moratorium on data centers in Nelson County until officials fully understand their ramifications, noting Virginia's rapid growth in data-center construction and applications. "At the present, I believe that the safe thing to do is a moratorium on data center[s] so the foot won't be in the door here in Nelson County," Nix said, adding that the technology and infrastructure are complex and residents need clear, unbiased information.
Why it matters: Comments touch on land-use decisions that can reshape local character, infrastructure needs (including water) and tax/revenue outcomes; residents asked for transparency and public hearings before development decisions proceed.
What’s next: No board action was taken at the meeting; residents asked supervisors to schedule public hearings and to consider moratoriums or zoning limits before development proceeds.
