Residents raise concerns about 7 data centers proposed in Nokesville
A previously dormant plan to build up to seven data centers on Madera Farm in Nokesville, Prince William County, has been revived. The project, which requires rezoning and special-use permits, faces strong opposition from local residents due to concerns about its environmental impact, noise, and power demands. The application is currently under review and has not yet been scheduled for a planning commission hearing.
A proposal for a data center complex of up to seven buildings on Madera Farm in Nokesville, Prince William County, Virginia, has been revived, prompting immediate opposition from local residents. The project seeks to develop 4.7 million square feet of data center space on 229 acres. The property, currently zoned agricultural, requires a rezoning to heavy industrial, a special-use permit, and potentially an amendment to the county's comprehensive plan, as data centers are not permitted under its current light industrial designation for the area.
The Civic Association of Brentsville and Surrounding Areas (CABSA), led by Nokesville resident Vida Carroll, strongly opposes the development, arguing that data centers are inappropriate near homes, parks, and rural spaces, and fall outside the county's designated data center overlay district. Carroll highlighted concerns about noise, construction blasting, fumes, and air pollution from diesel generators, which would negatively impact the quality of life and recreational activities at nearby Nokesville Park.
Corey Stewart, a former county supervisor chair, is representing the project developers. The county's planning staff has raised objections, noting the proposed square footage exceeds comprehensive plan allowances and that the project is incompatible with the existing land-use designations for Nokesville, where Supervisor Tom Gordy aims to preserve space for other industries.
The application, originally filed in July 2024 and resubmitted on June 3 after county planners requested changes, has not yet been scheduled for a planning commission hearing, which is the first step in the public approval process.