County residents hear of potential zoning ordinances

Residents of Wythe County, Virginia, are demanding the adoption of more stringent land-use rules and zoning ordinances, a move prompted by the announcement of a 99-acre, multi-phase AI computing campus by Solis Arx in Progress Park. Many residents expressed frustration, claiming they were unaware of the project until after its announcement and had no opportunity to provide input, leading to calls for greater community control over incoming developments. County officials acknowledge that the current lack of zoning in Wythe County, one of about seven and a half localities in Virginia without such ordinances, is a significant source of the community's frustration. At a recent public meeting held at Fort Chiswell High School, residents engaged with county officials to learn about the proposed regulations and questioned whether new ordinances would prevent additional data centers or similar projects. Deputy County Administrator Matthew Hankins clarified that the county's aim is not to halt development but to manage its process. He explained that development proposals, including those requiring special use permits or hearings before the planning commission and board, would still be able to proceed under new regulations. Former Board of Supervisors member Andy Kegley, who served in the late 1990s, emphasized the need for changes to the proposed ordinance, advocating for projects like the Solis Arx campus to require a "special use permit" instead of being approved "by right," which would mandate public hearings. Hankins indicated that at least two more public interest meetings are scheduled before the Board of Supervisors will make a decision on adopting any new zoning ordinances, which could significantly alter how new developments are reviewed and approved in the county.