Residents urge Hanover supervisors to reject proposed hyperscale data centers

Speakers during Citizens’ Time on May 13 pressed the Hanover County Board of Supervisors to oppose proposed hyperscale data centers that developers are seeking to site in or near Ashland and Mountain Road areas.

"Data centers not only strain the power grid thereby raising electricity costs for residents," said America Crow, adding a claim that one applicant would use "600,000 gallons of water per day" to cool servers. Bob Nelson, an Ashland District resident, told the board there was "no decommissioning plan" and raised questions about stormwater detention and whether those details are captured in proffers or staff reports.

Other speakers recounted regional examples they said illustrate risks. Ashley Covington pointed to Northern Virginia and Lake Tahoe, saying utilities were diverting capacity to data centers and that communities faced higher rates and reliability concerns. Laurie Braxton said the community sees limited job creation and noted studies and public opposition in other jurisdictions.

Speakers asked the board to scrutinize proffers, require clear decommissioning plans, and consider ballot measures or other means for public input. Many called on supervisors to vote no on pending applications, arguing the projects threaten wells, rural character and local water supplies.

No formal board decision on a specific application was recorded during citizens’ time; the period concluded with the board continuing its regular agenda. The record shows residents raised planning and environmental issues the board may consider in any upcoming land‑use proceedings.