Data center debate lands in Amherst, county board fields concerns

Data center debate lands in Amherst, county board fields concerns

News ClipNewsAdvance.com·Madison Heights, Amherst County, VA·5/26/2026

Amherst County residents are circulating a petition in opposition to data center development, specifically targeting a site in Madison Heights. The county board is addressing these concerns, while a state senator is discussing the discontinuation of data center tax breaks.

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Gov: Amherst County Board of Supervisors, Senator Lucas

Amherst County, Virginia, is currently experiencing significant local opposition to data center development, with residents actively circulating a petition against the establishment of such facilities. Concerns are particularly focused on a site in Madison Heights that has been identified for potential economic development, including data centers. The Amherst County Board of Supervisors is reportedly fielding these resident concerns as the debate intensifies.

Adding to the broader conversation, Senator Lucas has entered discussions regarding the potential cessation of tax breaks currently offered to data centers. This legislative consideration at the state level reflects an ongoing reevaluation of the economic incentives provided to the data center industry, which often prompts local debate over infrastructure, environmental impact, and tax revenue versus community burden.