Regional board enters purchase agreement for Wood Haven Tech Park; citizens question potential data center plans
A regional industrial board in Roanoke, Virginia, approved a purchase agreement for property at Wood Haven Technology Park with Clearview Dynamics LLC. This decision sparked immediate and strong opposition from residents who fear the land will be used for a data center. Citizens expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and vowed to continue fighting the potential development.
The Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority's board voted in a closed session on Friday to finalize a purchase agreement for land within the Wood Haven Technology Park. This decision immediately ignited strong opposition from local residents in Roanoke, Virginia, who suspect the land is slated for data center development. Community members, including Vice Mayor Terry McGuire and City Councilman Phazhon Nash who were present but not voting, questioned the board's lack of transparency regarding the deal and the future use of the property.
Residents voiced their frustrations during the meeting, with speakers like Kathryn Hatam and Ben Verschoor emphasizing that the community is unified against such a project and intends to continue fighting. Despite the public outcry, board members, including Valmarie H. Turner and Chris Dorsey, proceeded with the vote. The agreement was approved with Clearview Dynamics LLC, a company about which WDBJ7 has yet to find details.
The Authority issued a statement clarifying that the agreement is an "initial step in a lengthier inspection and due diligence process" and "does not constitute a completed sale." While the prospective use of the property could not be confirmed, the board noted that the park is zoned for light industrial uses and any development must comply with existing master plans and zoning regulations. The controversy follows a previous failed deal earlier this year to sell Wood Haven land to a data center developer.