Developer files application to bring data center to heart of Madison Heights

Old Dominion Capital Partners LLC has submitted plans for a new data center development on a 93-acre property in Madison Heights, Amherst County, Virginia. The proposed project includes five data center buildings, an electric substation, and more than 300 parking spaces, spanning approximately 40 acres of the site.

The application was filed on August 18, the same day the Amherst County Board of Supervisors voted to change the county's zoning rules, now requiring special use permits for future data centers. This timing has led to questions regarding whether the developer's project will be subject to the new special permit rules or the older, by-right zoning laws. Amherst County Administrator Jeremy Bryant stated that officials would seek clarification from the county attorney on the legal implications, while Supervisor Claudia Tucker noted that the county considers the application incomplete, a point disputed by the applicant.

During the August 18 Board meeting, residents expressed mixed views on the development. Some speakers opposed data centers, labeling them "massive environmental disaster areas," citing concerns about the environment, water, and rivers. Others supported the project, highlighting the potential for tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue for Amherst County, which could fund schools, police, infrastructure, and lead to reduced property taxes.

Supervisor Tucker, who previously moved to table the zoning vote for further discussion, denied any connection between her motion and the submitted site plan. She emphasized the need for a rational discussion among experts and community members to weigh environmental impacts against potential revenue, aiming for an outcome suitable for Amherst County. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold a closed session to discuss the data center project and the newly adopted zoning laws.