‘Data centers are coming’: Another data center proposal takes shape in Hanover

Hanover County, Virginia, is grappling with a surge in data center development, with a third project, dubbed the "Harris Farms Data Center," now in its pre-application phase. This latest proposal, spearheaded by J.K. Land Holding, is near Harris Farms Lane, less than two miles from the "Mountain Road Tech Park" — another large data center project that received a recommendation for approval from the county's planning commission in April and awaits a decision from the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. Residents, like Anne MaGee, are voicing strong opposition, primarily concerned about the cumulative impact on water resources. MaGee highlighted that the Mountain Road data center alone is projected to consume 90% of Elmont’s public water, questioning where the Harris Farms project would source its water. Neighbors also express worries about traffic, buffer requirements, and the rapid, seemingly inevitable, pace of data center expansion. County officials have acknowledged the potential financial benefits of data center development if projects align with the comprehensive plan. However, opposition from the community continues to grow as proposals move through the review process, emphasizing a perceived lack of proper risk-benefit analysis.