Carroll County residents voice concerns over data center development, urge zoning ordinance
Carroll County, Virginia, residents voiced strong opposition to data center development at a Board of Supervisors meeting, citing concerns over water, electricity, and noise. County officials acknowledged that current zoning allows data centers "by-right" and stressed the urgent need for a new zoning ordinance to regulate future projects. A prepared ordinance is now awaiting a vote by the Planning Commission and the Board.
At the July meeting of the Carroll County Board of Supervisors, numerous residents expressed strong opposition to the prospective development of data centers within the county. Citizens, including Gene Burgleta, Marlon Staples, Carrie Darnell, and Teresa and Wendy Alexander, voiced serious concerns regarding data centers' potential impact on local water levels, electricity usage, noise pollution, and the broader community, urging the board to protect their interests. Ms. Darnell specifically questioned the County Attorney's potential affiliations and asked about "permitting hurdles unlocked" for land adjacent to the Pluck'd tomato facility, which is being marketed for data center development. She called for a halt to all data centers until the industry can prove their safety and environmental harmlessness.
Supervisors Jody Early and Gregory Horton affirmed the residents' concerns, explaining that under current county code, data centers are permitted "by-right," meaning they can locate anywhere without specific board approval. Early emphasized the critical need for a new zoning ordinance to establish regulations on water, electricity, and noise, stating that without it, the county is powerless to control data center development. Supervisor Ronnie Collins noted receiving petitions with over 400 names and supported exploring all options, including noise ordinances, to deter data center development. County Attorney Stephen Durbin clarified that his law practice exclusively represents Virginia local governments and confirmed that a noise ordinance and potential water usage limitations are being worked on, but a comprehensive zoning ordinance is essential for broader regulation.