Hanover supervisors reject 430-acre data center campus
The Hanover County Board of Supervisors voted 4-3 to reject a proposed 430-acre data center campus from Denver-based developer Tract. The project, known as Mountain Road Technology Park, faced strong public opposition due to concerns about water usage, pollution, noise, and traffic. Supervisors weighed the potential tax revenue against resident concerns and environmental impacts.
The Hanover County Board of Supervisors has rejected a controversial 430-acre data center campus, voting 4-3 against the proposal after months of public debate and significant opposition. Developer Tract, based in Denver, had sought a conditional-use permit and rezoning for the Mountain Road Technology Park, a multi-building data center project planned near the Henrico County line and the Chickahominy River.
The project, which included plans for buildings up to 62 feet tall and an anticipated daily water usage of 600,000 gallons, was projected to generate over $900 million in property taxes for the county by 2044. However, residents raised strong concerns about water consumption, potential air pollution, noise, traffic impacts, environmental degradation, and declining home values.
Supervisors were divided, with some like Michael Herzberg supporting the project for its potential tax revenue and alignment with land use plans. Others, including Danielle Floyd and Faye Prichard, expressed reservations about water usage, proximity to residential areas, and the county's potential over-reliance on data centers for revenue. Supervisors Floyd, Prichard, Chairman Sean Davis, and Jeff Stoneman ultimately voted to deny the applications, while Herzberg, Sue Dibble, and Ryan Hudson voted to approve. Tract has not yet commented on the decision.