Hanover resident fears grow after planning commission moves forward with data center campus plan
The Hanover Planning Commission voted 5-2 to advance the proposed Iron Horse data center campus to the Board of Supervisors for final approval, despite opposition from more than a dozen residents and local groups. Concerns primarily revolve around potential environmental impacts, including water usage, light and noise pollution, and air quality.
The Hanover Planning Commission has voted to advance the proposed Iron Horse data center campus to the Board of Supervisors for approval, a decision that has sparked significant concern among local residents. Despite more than a dozen Hanover residents speaking against the large-scale technology park at the August 20 meeting, the commissioners voted 5-2 to move the project forward.
Members of the opposition group Friends of Hanover voiced alarm over the decision, expressing fears that the county is prioritizing an external tech company's financial interests over the community's well-being and rural character. One resident stated, "I don't want to become a Loudoun County," referencing the extensive data center development in that region.
Commissioners argued that the county needs these revenue opportunities, citing an existing data center campus project off Greenhill Road that is expected to generate nearly $1.8 billion in tax revenue over 20 years. They emphasized the need for funds to support essential services like schools, fire, EMS, and the Sheriff's Department. However, advocates raised environmental concerns, referencing a July DEQ report stating that the Eastern I-95 underground water system cannot handle significant withdrawals. Residents also worry about the data centers' water usage, light and noise pollution, and the impact on air quality and proximity to residential areas. The final decision on the Iron Horse project will rest with the Board of Supervisors.