Draft requires applicant‑hosted neighborhood meeting and public packet materials

As part of the special‑use process, Smyth County staff said data‑center applicants would be required to host a community meeting in the immediate area and to post the site so passersby see the pending application. Staff said materials submitted with an application — including studies, utility analyses and planning documents — would be included in the county packet and available to the public.

“One criticism that we get on other applications is that we are only required by law to send letters to the joint property owners,” the county staff member said while describing the additional posting and meeting requirement meant to broaden outreach. Staff said the community meeting is the applicant’s responsibility, not the government’s, and the county will accept written comments to be read into the record at hearings.