Why opponents think last week’s Wood Haven vote is about a data center
Data center opponents in the Roanoke Valley are reacting to a vote by a regional industrial facilities board. The board unanimously approved a purchase agreement with Clearview Dynamics for a site in Wood Haven Technology Park. Opponents believe this vote is related to a potential data center development, despite no official confirmation.
Data center opponents in the Roanoke Valley are expressing concern over a recent vote by the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority. On a Friday afternoon, the regional board, which represents six local governments, unanimously approved a purchase agreement with Clearview Dynamics, a Delaware-based company.
The acquired site is located in Wood Haven Technology Park, near the intersection of Interstates 81 and 581 in Roanoke County, and is designated for large-scale industrial and high-tech uses. Roanoke Vice Mayor Terry McGuire and dozens of other attendees packed the meeting, convinced that the vote was a step towards approving negotiations for a data center at the site.
McGuire noted that Wood Haven is one of several known "data center-ready" sites in the region, including Summit View in Franklin County and a site in Botetourt. He criticized the timing of the vote and the closed sessions held by Roanoke County and Roanoke City regarding public property disposition, suggesting a lack of transparency. McGuire, while supporting Roanoke City's recent purchase of the Ole Monterey golf course for housing or mixed-use development, stated his categorical opposition to data center development in the Roanoke Valley.