Isle of Wight County Officials Urged to Address Public Opposition to Data Centers
Isle of Wight County officials are actively pursuing data centers for tax revenue, identifying specific land and preparing a special tax rate. However, a local editorial warns of strong national and potential local opposition to data centers, citing concerns over electricity strain and environmental harm. Officials are urged to proactively engage residents to build support before specific projects are proposed.
The Smithfield Times Editorial Board has urged Isle of Wight County officials to proactively address potential public opposition as they pursue data center development for tax revenue. The county has identified a 73.6-acre parcel in the Shirley T. Holland Intermodal Park, near Windsor, as an ideal site and is establishing a special tax rate for data centers in the upcoming fiscal year.
The editorial board cautioned local supervisors and the Economic Development Authority to engage citizens now, citing strong national resistance to AI data centers. A Gallup poll indicates 71% of Americans oppose their construction in their communities, with nearly half expressing strong opposition. Concerns include increased electricity rates and environmental harm, according to Reuters/Ipsos and Pew Research Center polls.
The Times noted that this potential backlash could surpass citizen anger over rapid residential development, which has already challenged local leadership. The editorial emphasized the need for officials to build public support, given their past "terrible track record" on key initiatives, to successfully attract data centers to the county.