Land sale confirmed at Wood Haven park in Roanoke County, with no other details announced
The Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority authorized a land sale at Wood Haven Technology Park in Roanoke County for a potential data center project, but disclosed no details after a closed meeting. This lack of transparency has sparked strong opposition from Roanoke city officials and residents who are "vehemently opposed" to data center construction in the Roanoke Valley. Residents and council members criticized the process as undemocratic and demanded greater public input.
The Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority board confirmed authorizing a land sale for a data center project at Roanoke County's Wood Haven Technology Park, but provided no details following a closed meeting. The decision, made without public disclosure, has ignited significant backlash from local government officials and residents.
Roanoke Vice Mayor Terry McGuire and Councilman Phazhon Nash issued a joint statement expressing their "vehement opposition" to any data center construction in the Roanoke Valley, including the Wood Haven park where the city of Roanoke holds a 44% ownership stake. They emphasized the need for advanced manufacturing and responsible investment but not "approving every project or type of development." Public speakers at the meeting also voiced unanimous opposition, with residents like Kathryn Hatam and Julie Bivins criticizing the board's lack of transparency and apparent disregard for community sentiment.
The 111-acre Wood Haven Technology Park, already zoned as a planned technology development district, has over 50 acres of pad-ready land. Despite the land sale authorization, the Western Virginia Water Authority spokesperson, Sarah Baumgardner, stated that the authority had not been contacted by the facility authority or any prospective tech business regarding water needs for Wood Haven. The authority, which owns the property, is comprised of Botetourt County, Franklin County, Roanoke County, Roanoke, Salem, and the town of Vinton, with representatives from each locality on its 12-member board.