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Resident raises privacy, secrecy concerns about proposed data centers; board promises public input
Summary
During citizens' time, Charles Wasson urged supervisors to hold public discussions before allowing data-center development, cited 'secret' agreements (ZMM, Project Hightower) and warned of surveillance risks. Chair said public input and a June 25 meeting will allow citizen feedback before an ordinance is finalized.
At the Smyth County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 11 a resident raised pointed concerns about proposed data centers and how the county has been handling discussions.
Charles Wasson, who identified himself by name and address during citizens' time, said he was not opposed to data centers per se but objected to the process and potential privacy implications. "When you do all the stuff in secret, that's that's gonna be the end of constitutional government," he said, and named the ZMM agreement and "Project Hightower" as examples of accords the public should see. He warned of a surveillance future and urged the board to give citizens opportunity for input.
Chair responded that the board will thoroughly investigate and has scheduled public meetings, noting a June 25 session to solicit public input before an ordinance is finalized. The exchange underscored public tension ahead of planned rulemaking for data-center zoning and related agreements.
