Community meeting on Google Data Center held in Botetourt Tuesday

A community meeting was held in Botetourt County, Virginia, to discuss Google's recently announced data center project. Residents expressed significant opposition, with one participant stating that "the masses need to come out for the next meetings...to help prevent this Google data center from coming into Botetourt County." Attendees reviewed the project timeline, financial aspects, and statewide sales tax exemptions for data centers. Key concerns raised included light and noise emissions, the facility's proximity (less than two miles) to a school, the perceived lack of transparency from the Board of Supervisors, and the substantial water and electricity demands of the campus. Engineers reportedly conducted "due diligence engineering calculations" to estimate the project's scope. Despite the official announcement, the project has not yet completed its permitting process, offering opponents a window for action. Residents are actively discussing next steps, including the potential recall of Board of Supervisors members and pursuing legal action to delay or halt the project and its permits. The meeting aimed to inform and unify those against the data center, reassuring them that they are not alone in their concerns and collectively strategizing on the most effective multi-pronged approach to challenge the development.