Citizens press board over secret data‑center talks and transparency as supervisor resigns

A long public‑comment period at the Aug. 18 meeting focused on allegations of secret talks with a prospective data‑center developer (commonly referenced by residents as Project Flash), requests for permanent restrictions on data centers and utility solar, and calls for greater transparency from the board.

Speakers repeatedly criticized the use of nondisclosure agreements and asked the board to explain whether and how talks with developers had happened. One resident asked the board to “remove data centers as a by‑right use” and to require public review for such projects; another urged the board to adopt strict buffers and vegetation standards modeled on other Virginia counties. Several speakers praised a supervisor who had publicly disclosed a status update over the weekend and asked the board to match that candor.

Late in the meeting, Supervisor Mike Meredith made a short public statement announcing his resignation and said he did not want to be a reason the county did not move forward. The board recessed immediately afterward.

Why it matters: Residents said the episode illustrates a broader trust gap between the public and the board and asked for more proactive public disclosure of talks with prospective industry partners. The controversy raises questions about how the county handles confidentiality in economic development and how it will protect unzoned rural areas from large industrial projects.