GOOCHLAND COUNTY, Va. — The Goochland County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to refer proposed zoning amendments to the Planning Commission for consideration that would restrict where data centers can be built in the county.
The proposed amendments would change the county zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan to make clear that data centers are not allowed outside of the Technology Overlay District, or TOD. The vote was not a final approval of the changes — it sends the proposals to the Planning Commission for review and a recommendation.
Goochland's TOD stretches from Interstate 64 about five miles down Route 288 to Patterson Avenue, covering more than 800 acres. If the amendments are ultimately adopted, data centers would be off the table in other parts of the county, including areas near homes.
One man who lives near one of the proposed sites said the restrictions cannot come soon enough.
"Data centers will be built looking out of our front door and back door. We will have the noise, pollution, vibrations, and smell bombarding us from different directions," he said.
Goochland County Board of Supervisors District 5 representative Jonathan Lyle addressed concerns about the board's intentions at the meeting.
"I do not believe any of my colleagues wake up in the morning saying how can we make Goochland a horrible place to be?" Lyle said.
The Planning Commission will now review the proposed amendments and make a recommendation on the changes.
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