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Residents urge board to pause Hitt Park data center over water, noise and transparency concerns
Summary
More than a dozen residents told the Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors they oppose a proposed data center at Hitt Park, citing water withdrawals, 24/7 noise, property-value losses and what they described as opaque prior zoning changes during the COVID-19 emergency.
A steady line of residents at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting urged officials to pause work on a proposed data center at Hitt Park and hold fuller public review.
"Are you for or against the Prince Edward County Data Center?" asked Michelle Schumacher, a resident of District 201, summarizing her timeline of events and saying the zoning change was granted "in July 2020" during pandemic restrictions. Schumacher also alleged potential conflicts of interest involving an IDA consultant who she said has been paid to market the project.
Other speakers amplified environmental and quality-of-life concerns. Greg Phillips told the board the project promises "only 30 permanent jobs" but could draw "between 1.2 and 5.5 millions of gallons of water every day" from local aquifers, and warned of "24/7 industrial noise" and added strain on the energy grid. "Don't let Prince Edward join that list," he said, referencing neighboring localities that have pushed back on rapid approvals.
Several speakers asked the board for more independent studies and safeguards. Ginny McIntosh requested endangered-species protections, comprehensive ecological impact assessments and mandatory monthly independent testing of soil, air and water. Jan Tackett asked the county to identify vendors and provide vendor-specific noise projections for coolers and backup generators.
Board members responded that they are studying the issue and visiting existing data centers. Supervisor Emmert said he has spoken with neighbors where data centers operate and described limited opposition in some counties; other supervisors suggested forming a citizen commission to inspect facilities and recommended a deliberate, multi-month approach before any final decision.
The public comment period closed with repeated requests for transparency and for staff to publish empirical benefit analyses that residents said remain unavailable. County staff later told the board they have started a 4–6 month process to craft supplementary zoning rules specifically for data centers and will include planning commission meetings and public participation in that process.
