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Residents urge larger setbacks and health review for proposed data center
Summary
Residents and health professionals told the Petersburg City Council that a proposed 125-foot setback for a new data center is inadequate, asking the city to require a health-impact assessment, 300-foot setbacks for buildings and mechanical equipment, and binding sound-mitigation proffers.
Cindy Perkins, a Ward 7 resident and registered nurse, told the council she opposes the proposed 125-foot setback for a planned data center and asked the city to require a 300-foot minimum setback for mechanical equipment and buildings.
"A 125 foot setback is insufficient to protect the health and well-being of residents in the Ramblewood and neighboring areas," Perkins said, urging the council to require sound-dampening walls and a guarantee that noise at the residential property line will not exceed 45 decibels. Perkins also asked whether the Warrington Group—the developer named in citizen remarks—has completed a health-impact assessment and warned that an unknown tenant makes current site plans incomplete.
Dr. Rosalia Weaver Roy, a Petersburg resident, acknowledged potential economic benefits from hosting a data center but urged the council to examine research linking long-term noise and air-quality exposure to cardiovascular and respiratory harms before approving placement near homes and schools. "I stand here this evening to voice my concern regarding the data center campus being housed in Petersburg, especially in the residential and school areas," she said.
Resident Wendy Austin and others urged the council to finish zoning updates to provide 'guardrails' for new development, including data centers. Councilmembers did not take an action on setbacks during the work session; the remarks were entered during public comment for council consideration in the upcoming zoning and permitting work.
The comments highlight two discrete, outstanding questions for council: whether the Warrington Group has produced or will commission an independent health-impact assessment tied to a specific tenant, and whether the city will change the proposed setback and mitigation conditions before permitting. No formal planning decision was made at the March 3 work session.
