Data center opponents sound the alarm about Roanoke Valley board vote
A board representing six localities in the Roanoke Valley voted to enter a land purchase agreement with Clearview Dynamics, a move opponents suspect is for a new data center. Residents and local officials expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and voiced concerns about water and electrical issues associated with data center development.
The Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority recently voted to approve a purchase agreement with Clearview Dynamics for land at Wood Haven Technology Park. This decision, made after a closed session, has sparked significant opposition from local residents and officials who believe the land is intended for a data center.
Opponents, including the Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance, packed the meeting room to voice their concerns about potential water and electrical strain, as well as the proximity of the proposed site to a residential community. Julie Bivins of the Alliance criticized the authority for voting without disclosing details to the public.
Roanoke Vice Mayor Terry McGuire questioned the authority's legal counsel, Bryce Hunter, about the lack of transparency, stating that the public deserves to know the details of the vote. McGuire and Roanoke council member Phazhon Nash subsequently issued a statement opposing data center construction in the region. The authority's statement indicated the purchase agreement is an initial step in a due diligence process, not a completed sale.