Hanover leaders recommend approval of Iron Horse data center campus
The Hanover County Planning Commission recommended approval for the Iron Horse data center campus despite significant community opposition and environmental concerns. The proposed development, which includes multiple data centers, now moves to the county's Board of Supervisors for a final decision. Residents raised issues regarding water usage, traffic, noise, and generator emissions.
The Hanover County Planning Commission voted 5-2 to recommend approval for the Iron Horse data center campus, a large-scale technology park proposed for the town of Ashland and unincorporated Hanover County, Virginia. Developed by Tradeport Hanover Land, the project includes multiple data centers up to 75 feet tall, alongside residential units and commercial space.
Despite this recommendation, the proposal faces strong opposition from local residents, including the "Friends of Hanover" coalition. During the August 20 meeting, opponents voiced concerns about the project's potential environmental impact, citing issues such as emissions from generators, water quality, increased traffic, and noise levels. Resident Ashley Covington highlighted that previous concerns raised about an earlier project, the Mountain Road development, regarding water, traffic, and cumulative impact, remain unanswered by the Iron Horse proposal.
Conversely, Commissioner Cliff Parker, representing the Chickahominy District, supported the project, emphasizing its potential for "good-paying and high-quality" jobs and minimal impact on crime, schools, or traffic. Commissioners Edmonia Iverson and Alan Abbott cast the dissenting votes against the recommendation. The final decision on the Iron Horse data center campus now rests with the Hanover County Board of Supervisors.