Hanover and Henrico Residents Oppose Proposed Data Centers

Residents in Hanover and Henrico counties, Virginia, are vocalizing strong opposition to multiple hyperscale data center proposals, including the significant 427-acre Mountain Road Technology Park. Advocacy group Friends of Hanover recently held an Earth Day rally outside the Hanover County Government Building, drawing attention to fears that data centers will negatively impact the local environment, water supply, air quality, and the rural character of the area. The proposed Mountain Road Technology Park, developed by Tract, would be a 900-megawatt facility potentially requiring 300 diesel generators. Critics like Tim Cywinski of the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club highlighted concerns over emissions, while residents such as Mike Withrow raised alarms about the projected water usage of 600,000 gallons per day, fearing it would exacerbate existing water restrictions for locals. Tract officials, however, have committed $15 million to bolster public water infrastructure and project 300-350 permanent jobs and $901 million in tax revenue over 20 years. Despite resident protests, Hanover planning commissioners voted 6-1 on April 16 to recommend the Mountain Road Technology Park proposal. The final decision is now in the hands of the Hanover Board of Supervisors, who are scheduled to hold a vote on May 27. Residents, including Kathy Sklarek and Clint Robertson, expressed frustration with county officials, accusing them of prioritizing tax revenue over community concerns and threatening to replace supervisors in upcoming elections.