Data Centers dominate July Town Council meeting
At a Hillsville Town Council meeting, numerous citizens voiced strong opposition to data center developments, citing concerns about rural character, noise, and utility strain. The council held public hearings on proposed code amendments to require special use permits for data centers, which residents worried would still allow development. Ultimately, the council tabled the ordinances for further review.
The Hillsville Town Council meeting on July 13 was met with overwhelming public opposition to potential data center developments. Citizens filled council chambers, expressing deep concerns about the impact on the town's rural character, potential noise pollution, increased energy demands, and water usage. Several residents drew comparisons to the negative experiences in Northern Virginia's Loudoun County, which has seen extensive data center growth.
Town Manager LeAnna Surratt explained that proposed code additions aimed to establish regulations for data centers, requiring a special use permit for their development, which would involve subsequent public hearings and council approval. Currently, Hillsville lacks specific data center regulations. Mayor Greg Crowder assured residents that the council shares their opposition and aims to make development difficult, although an outright ban is not permissible under state law.
Despite the council's assurances, residents like Katie Horton, a mayoral candidate, criticized Mayor Crowder's previous dismissiveness of the issue. Speakers, including Olivia Willard and Marie Hill, delivered passionate appeals, linking data center development to various environmental and community harms. Citing uncertainty over whether the proposed code changes were more restrictive than state law would allow, Town Attorney Trent Crewe suggested tabling the ordinances, a motion the council agreed to.