‘Hurtful’: Officials to vote on controversial data center on Hanover, Henrico county line Thursday evening

The Hanover County Planning Commission is set to vote on a contentious data center project near the Hanover-Henrico county line, a decision that has been delayed multiple times due to extensive public debate. The proposed development by Denver-based Tract involves rezoning 427 acres off Mountain Road near Route 33, with plans for five building areas, substations, and supporting infrastructure. Chrystal Doyle, a Henrico resident living less than half a mile from the proposed site, expressed disappointment, stating that the project, while technically in Hanover, significantly impacts Henrico residents who feel unrepresented in the decision-making process. Concerns include noise and light pollution, strain on energy resources, and substantial water consumption, with the data center projected to require a quarter of Hanover County's daily water usage. Despite the potential for 300-350 direct jobs and over 1,000 construction jobs, residents like Doyle are considering moving if the project is approved, highlighting fears about property value depreciation and quality of life. Doyle's attempts to reach out to local and state officials, including Henrico County Board of Supervisors representative Dan Schmitt, State Delegate Buddy Fowler, and State Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg, have gone unanswered. The vote is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, at 6 p.m. at the Hanover County Administration Building.