New data center plans fuel fights in Goochland, Henrico, Chesterfield
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Google is eyeing a massive 1,000-acre data center campus in Goochland as residents across the Richmond region push back against projects they fear they have little power to stop.
Why it matters: The backlash is crossing county lines, with Henrico residents even pressing their own elected officials to intervene in Goochland's development decisions.
Driving the news: A series of developments last week — from heated public meetings to newly disclosed plans and proposed zoning changes — fueled the growing tensions.
The latest: Google's interest in Goochland's West Creek Business Park became public last week after the company and county agreed to lift an NDA dating to January 2024.
- The site has allowed data centers without new public zoning hearings since 1987.
Meanwhile in Chesterfield: Hundreds of residents attended a contentious forum Tuesday, pressing Google, Dominion Energy and other industry representatives about transparency, electricity costs and environmental impacts.
- Google said it would limit its use of NDAs, following criticism over secrecy, while officials pledged continued community engagement.
Along the Henrico-Goochland border: Henrico residents are fighting at least four proposed data centers in neighboring Goochland, including a nearly 900-acre campus along Patterson.
- They're concerned about pollution, noise and their limited say over projects outside their county.
- Residents urged Henrico supervisors to formally oppose the developments last month, the Henrico Citizen reports, and Del. May Nivar called on Goochland to reject them.
- The Patterson project still needs a conditional-use permit and public hearings. None are scheduled yet.
- The other three sites already allow data centers without new zoning hearings, though construction and other permits are still required.
Back in Goochland: County officials proposed new rules that would restrict data centers to three designated areas and require large facilities to study noise impacts on nearby homes.
- The county also wants to reapprove its existing data center zoning district, partly to address a lawsuit alleging officials failed to properly notify the public when the rules were first adopted.
- Officials say the rules aim to attract investment while protecting nearby neighborhoods.
What's next: Goochland residents can weigh in on the proposed zoning changes at a Nov. 10 community meeting at Goochland High School. The Planning Commission's recommendation is due Jan. 22.