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Residents flood Prince Edward County meeting with objections to proposed HIP Park data center
Summary
Dozens of residents urged the Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors to halt or further vet a proposed 280-acre data center at the Heartland Innovative Technology Park, citing noise, water use, light pollution, emergency-service risks and uncertain economic benefits; county staff said no site plan has been submitted and staff are evaluating supplemental zoning standards.
Dozens of residents told the Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday they oppose a planned 280‑acre data center at the Heartland Innovative Technology Park, raising concerns about noise, water use, light pollution and financial risk.
"A mega data center on a hill overlooking Farmville and directly adjacent to hundreds of county and town residents is a terrible idea," said Chuck Ross, a retired professor and self‑described acoustics expert, arguing low‑frequency sounds and generator noise could penetrate homes and cause headaches, nausea and sleep deprivation.
Several speakers raised related complaints. Greg Phipps said the developer is "unproven," arguing the county needs a clearer record of the company's completed projects before approving large incentives. Jan Tackett, a retired science teacher, said she could not find credible research showing it is safe to locate a data center within three miles of schoolchildren and asked staff to share the safety evidence behind the project.
Other speakers cited drought and water usage, emergency‑services capacity for large fires, and the risk that promised economic benefits would not materialize if the developer or customers change course. Ed Scott asked about the absence of guarantees in the county's agreements and urged greater transparency from the Industrial Development Authority and the board.
"We don't have a rationale today that's reliable," said David Thilapaugh, who urged the board and IDA to develop a contemporary business case that quantifies costs, customers, risks and benefits.
Winslow Stillman said the facility would harm the night sky and historic character visible from nearby High Bridge, and several speakers warned about potential declines in property values.
County staff provided a status update in response, saying that in July 2020 the county rezoned roughly 280 acres to create what staff called the Heartland Innovative Technology Park and added data centers as a by‑right use in the C‑1 district. Staff said the county has not received a site plan or formal development application and that planning staff are reviewing supplemental zoning measures—noise mitigation, buffering, lighting, generator operations and water usage—used by other Virginia localities with data centers.
The board took no final action on the HIP Park project during the meeting. Supervisors thanked residents for attending and urged continued dialogue as staff evaluate possible ordinance changes and performance standards.
What happens next: staff told the board they are comparing local ordinances adopted elsewhere and will continue the review; no site plan has been filed and no binding approvals were issued at the July meeting.
