Faced with widespread disapproval, New Kent spikes plan for data centers
The New Kent County Board of Supervisors rejected a proposal for a technology overlay district that would have allowed data centers without public input, following widespread opposition from residents. The board will now work on a new ordinance to establish specific standards for data center development, addressing concerns about environmental impact, power, and water use. This decision was a direct response to citizen mobilization against the initial plan.
The New Kent County Board of Supervisors voted on July 13 to abandon its proposed "technology overlay district," which would have allowed data center construction along the Route 33 corridor without public hearings. This decision came after more than a year of county staff developing the streamlined process, aimed at attracting data center companies to the area.
The board's reversal was prompted by significant public pushback, including a town hall meeting and a survey revealing 87% of local residents opposed data centers due to concerns about environmental impact, power consumption, and strain on water resources during a drought. District 3 Supervisor Amy Pearson initially proposed interim protections but amended her motion to scrap the district entirely after hearing public comments.
Instead of the overlay district, the Board of Supervisors directed county staff to develop a new ordinance establishing specific standards for data center development. County Administrator Rodney Hathaway expects the draft ordinance to be finalized for the board's September work session. Residents like Judith Harris and Paul Johnson emphasized the need for stronger regulations and public involvement in crafting these new rules to protect the community's land, water, and power infrastructure.