Developer considering data center has agreement to buy Roanoke County site
Clearview Dynamics has a purchase agreement for 94 acres in Roanoke County's Wood Haven Technology Park, which is being considered for a data center. The project faces local opposition over transparency and resource use, while the state governor recently issued an executive order aimed at increasing data center accountability. Due diligence, including utility and environmental reviews, is underway.
Clearview Dynamics, a Delaware developer, has entered into a purchase and sale agreement with the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority (WVRIFA) for 94 acres within the 111-acre Wood Haven Technology Park in Roanoke County, Virginia. The site is being considered for a potential data center facility. The agreement, signed by WVRIFA executive director John Hull, allows Clearview Dynamics 180 days for due diligence, including engineering, geotechnical, utility capacity, and environmental reviews, expected to conclude by March 2027.
The proposed data center project is facing significant local opposition and transparency concerns. Roanoke City Vice Mayor Terry McGuire and City Council Member Phazhon Nash have voiced strong opposition, stating they are "vehemently opposed to data center construction in the Roanoke Valley." The Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance (SWVADCTA) has also raised concerns about closed-door meetings regarding the project. Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb later criticized council members for allowing activism to override governance responsibilities.
Amid these local developments, Governor Abigail Spanberger issued a multipronged executive order aimed at increasing data center accountability across Virginia. The order seeks to eliminate by-right approvals for data centers and bans non-disclosure agreements for state executive branch officials regarding data centers. The WVRIFA highlighted Clearview Dynamics' commitment to cover all costs for water and power infrastructure to serve the project, easing community burden, and noted that data centers are an approved use for the Wood Haven Technology Park, which has seen over $10 million in county investment since 2016.