King William wants citizen input on data center ordinance, community issues
King William County is seeking public input on its proposed technology uses ordinance, which includes data centers, through two online surveys. The draft ordinance has drawn criticism from citizens and tribal leaders due to concerns about environmental impacts, leading the Board of Supervisors to table a decision in April. The county aims to gather feedback to inform future policy discussions and decision-making.
King William County in Virginia is conducting two online surveys to gather public feedback, one on general community engagement and another specifically on a draft technology uses ordinance. County Administrator Derek Stamey emphasized the importance of public input in strengthening trust and connectivity within the community.
The second survey focuses on the proposed ordinance for "emerging technology uses," including data centers, and their potential impacts on land use, infrastructure, utilities, economic development, and quality of life. Residents are asked to share their views on appropriate development locations, infrastructure needs, environmental concerns, and long-term community planning priorities. The feedback will guide future policy discussions and decisions by county staff and the Board of Supervisors; surveys are open until July 15.
This proposed amendment to county codes, which has the backing of the Planning Commission, aims to encourage technology investments while protecting residential areas and mitigating environmental impacts. Planner Joyce Wolfe indicated it would establish "by-rights standards" for technology uses in specific zones and require conditional use permits for others, making King William less restrictive than neighboring counties like Henrico and Hanover.
However, the Board of Supervisors tabled a decision on the ordinance on April 13 amidst significant opposition. Critics, including citizens and tribal leaders, have raised concerns that data centers consume excessive water and power resources and cause other environmental problems.