Residents press Smyth County supervisors to tighten rules for data-center projects

Several residents told the board they oppose easing land-use rules to accommodate data centers in AAR (agricultural and agricultural rural) zones without broader public input. Charles Lawson told the board the county's approach was "flawed" and urged updating the comprehensive plan with widespread community involvement before changing zoning: "The current approach to land use for data centers in Smyth County is flawed," he said, and pointed listeners to "Plan Smyth 2044" as the guiding document that should dictate rural preservation.

Other speakers raised legal and practical concerns. Charles Hayden cited Virginia statute language (identified in the meeting as "15.24301, Declaration of policy and findings") and asked whether the county would guarantee that taxpayers would not shoulder new utility, road or power-line costs if data centers locate in rural areas. David Fulton asked whether supervisors would accept responsibility if negative impacts occurred after approving a project. Speakers demanded clearer committee procedures, published agendas and accessible minutes for the joint ordinance committee.