New Kent County Board of Supervisors Scraps Proposed Data Center Overlay District
Public trust is eroding in New Kent County, Virginia, amidst a heated debate over potential data center development. The New Kent County Board of Supervisors recently voted to scrap a proposed 1,800-acre technology overlay district that would have streamlined data center approvals. Opponents cite concerns about high power demands and compatibility with neighborhoods, while proponents highlight potential revenues.
An intense debate over potential data center development is eroding public trust in New Kent County, Virginia. The New Kent County Board of Supervisors, responding to ongoing community concerns, voted on July 13 to abandon a proposed 1,800-acre technology overlay district.
This district, located along the Route 33 corridor, was designed to streamline the approval process for data centers within its boundaries. Opponents of data center expansion have voiced significant concerns, primarily focusing on the substantial power demands of these facilities and their potential incompatibility with existing residential neighborhoods. Conversely, proponents argue that data centers offer substantial revenues and economic opportunities for localities.