Residents pack board meeting demanding answers on data center development proposals
Franklin County, Virginia residents packed a Board of Supervisors meeting to demand transparency and protest potential data center development, specifically a project code-named "Project Flash." They expressed frustration over perceived secrecy and raised environmental concerns. The board did not provide a response to the community.
Residents of Franklin County, Virginia, packed a Board of Supervisors meeting to demand transparency regarding potential zoning changes that they believe could pave the way for a data center development. Hundreds of attendees voiced frustration, stating they had obtained documents through Freedom of Information Act requests that indicated plans for a data center project, despite previous assurances from county officials that no such project was being considered.
One resident emphatically told the board, "We do not want a data center in this county. Do you understand? Look at me." The project, identified in emails as "Project Flash," raised significant environmental concerns among residents. Speakers warned that a data center would be a "real source of real pollution" and posed risks that board members would not tolerate near their own homes.
Residents emphasized they are not against progress but are opposed to corruption and secrecy, asserting that "billionaire tech bros deserve more protection than the people who drink the water, breathe the air, pay the taxes and live with the consequences." Despite the strong community outcry, the Board of Supervisors did not respond to the residents' concerns during the meeting.