Residents say planning commission ignored public concerns about data centers

At citizens time, several residents urged the Hanover County Board of Supervisors to take a closer look at data‑center development and the Planning Commission's handling of recent cases.

Amy Mendelson of South Anna told the board there are "6 rezoning cases" and urged the county to "consider getting rid" of by‑right allowances for data centers and to use more recent research than older JLARC reports. Rob Wilhoit (Chickahominy District) criticized last week's Planning Commission meeting on the Iron Horse proposal, saying water‑usage figures were "as clear as mud" and that commissioners injected geopolitics into local land‑use decisions: "They invoked China into the conversation for God's sakes." Martin Bruner (Beaver Dam District) said he was disappointed the Planning Commission appeared to prioritize national technology objectives over local concerns and that "not a single person acknowledged those 20 people" who spoke against the Iron Horse project at the commission hearing.

The comments did not produce immediate action; the board closed citizens time and proceeded to planning public hearings. Residents asked supervisors to consider tightening review standards, update the county's information sources, and ensure Planning Commission members' decisions adequately acknowledge public testimony.