Chesapeake residents oppose data center zoning in Fentress Overlay
Chesapeake residents are opposing a proposed data center ordinance that would allow data centers in the Fentress Overlay, an agricultural preservation area near established neighborhoods. They argue that data centers should be confined to existing industrial districts to protect rural buffers and public trust. Residents urge the City Council to remove the Fentress Overlay from the ordinance and develop an area plan for Great Bridge.
Residents of Great Bridge, Chesapeake, are expressing significant opposition to the city's proposed data center ordinance. They argue that while it appears to be a routine zoning update, it would permit data centers in the Fentress Overlay, an agricultural preservation area adjacent to Etheridge Lakes, Woodard's Mill, and Pleasant Grove neighborhoods. Taxpayers have already invested millions to preserve this rural buffer.
The letter highlights a history of past developments, including a golf course built with coal fly ash, a large solar facility, and a power station, which have incrementally transformed the area and eroded public trust. Residents contend that data centers, if allowed in Chesapeake, should be located in existing industrial districts, not near residential areas.
They are urging the Chesapeake City Council to amend the proposed ordinance by removing the Fentress Overlay and initiating a comprehensive area plan for Great Bridge's residential zones to restore public confidence and uphold sound planning principles.