Marion residents question potential data center on 200 acres of government-owned land
Marion officials say an unnamed developer is evaluating about 200 acres of town-owned property just outside the town limits, but they have not confirmed whether the project would be a data center. Residents are raising concerns about secrecy, environmental impacts, utilities, property values and quality of life. Smyth County adopted a special-exception permit requirement for data centers, but no application has been filed.
An unnamed developer is conducting due diligence on roughly 200 acres of government-owned land northeast of Marion, prompting speculation that the site could become a data center. Marion officials have declined to identify the developer or its proposed use, saying the property remains in an early evaluation phase and that no announcement will be made until a project is certain.
Residents including Joe Naff and Sally Hash oppose or fear a potential data center, citing possible impacts on utilities, farmland, property values, scenery, animals and the environment. Smyth County Administrator Shawn Utt said any project would require review by the county planning commission and board of supervisors. The county adopted an ordinance in September requiring a special-exception permit for data centers, but officials said no rezoning or permit request has been submitted.
Hash said Plus Power made offers on her nearby farm and for an easement. The Houston-based battery-storage company confirmed making an offer but declined to discuss related project plans; the article does not establish that Plus Power is the unnamed developer interested in the government property.