Smyth County, Va. — The July 23 meeting of the Smyth County Planning Commission quickly became contentious as citizens attempted to speak about the county’s ongoing data center proposal, only to be told the topic would not be heard during Citizens Time.
Commission Chair Hazel Wagoner opened the meeting by announcing that “we will not be hearing anything on data centers tonight,” noting that a public hearing had already been held. Several residents objected, saying the commission should allow comment on an issue still under active consideration. Wagoner added that members are planning a trip to northern Virginia to tour a data center.
Despite the restriction, Dr. Wassum chose to speak. He stated that Citizens Time should not exclude discussion of a matter of significant public concern and reminded commissioners that they are appointed by the Board of Supervisors and take an oath to uphold the Virginia Constitution. Wassum asked whether members had read the constitution; several answered yes. He urged them to keep citizens’ rights “firmly fixed” in mind as they consider data centers.
After the meeting, Wassum provided Three County News with the public comment he had prepared but was not allowed to read. His written remarks, which included citations and references, outlined assurances he said county officials have historically given citizens about the purpose of zoning. He pointed to statements from representatives Susie Jennings and J.S. Staley, noting their past claims that zoning would “protect against obnoxious land uses,” “preserve farmland,” and “lay out rules for land use in advance to protect your property.” Wassum argued that by opening farmland to data centers, the proposed ordinance “changes the rules” and undermines those protections. He stated that data centers “should not be in Ag or Ag Rural zones.”
Wassum also addressed public sentiment, noting that more than 20 speakers at the recent county public hearing opposed the ordinance that would allow data centers of all sizes in agricultural areas. He referenced reporting from the Roanoke Times describing 40‑plus Franklin County residents who criticized their supervisors during similar data center discussions.
He further shared an email he received from U.S. Sen. Mark Warner dated July 22, in which Warner wrote, “I hear constantly from Virginians who are terrified by the rapid construction of data centers. Others are concerned AI could steal their job.”
Wassum concluded by pointing to Mecklenburg County’s experience, noting that its partnership with data centers began in 2010. He cited advice Mecklenburg County Administrator Alex Cotschalk offered Pittsylvania County leaders as they explored data centers: avoid placing facilities near residential areas or rural farmland, locate them closer to major highways, and place them within predetermined industrial zones.
Charles Hayden then attempted to speak about a zoning change connected to the data center ordinance. Wagoner again interrupted, repeating, “We are not having any discussions on the data center tonight.” Hayden responded that both the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors were “pushing all of this over the public’s wishes.” Several citizens present expressed that they felt they were being silenced.
Assistant County Administrator Clegg Williams delivered a brief report noting that the Board of Supervisors had recommended repealing the existing zoning ordinance language pertaining to data processing centers. This update reflected the board’s action following the June 25 public hearing.
The commission then revisited the proposed text amendment originally scheduled for consideration after the June 25 hearing. The amendment would repeal the current section of the zoning ordinance and add “data processing centers” as a use permitted in specific districts under defined conditions.
Williams said the public hearing “gave them a lot to think about,” and noted that staff had visited a jurisdiction with existing data centers (Mecklenburg VA as mentioned in a prior meeting) to learn how they operate. He described the visit as showing “the good side of what data centers can bring.” A second field trip to Loudoun County, one of the nation’s largest data center hubs, is being planned for August.
Given the volume of public feedback and the need for further study, Williams recommended that the Planning Commission table the matter until next month and revisit it after the field trip.
Tony Dean questioned whether the Planning Commission could send the draft ordinance back to the Ordinance Committee, stating it was “not anywhere close to what the citizens of Smyth County want.” Williams confirmed that amendments were possible and said he hoped next month’s discussion would focus on what should be changed.
Dean argued that “some things have changed since the ordinance committee” and that the draft should be reviewed again by the committee, which includes three Planning Commission members and three Board of Supervisors members.
Dean made a motion to return the ordinance to the committee. Campbell seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The Ordinance Committee will now re‑examine the draft, incorporating public feedback and any new information gathered from upcoming site visits. The Planning Commission is expected to revisit the matter at its August meeting.
For many residents, the meeting highlighted ongoing tensions between public concern and the county’s exploration of data center development. With the ordinance now back in committee, the next month is expected to be pivotal in shaping how Smyth County proceeds.
After the meeting, county employee Jessica Davidson spoke with Three County News and noted that many everyday tools—such as smartphone apps, online services, and electronic devices—depend on data that must be stored and processed in data centers. Davidson said that if residents do not want data centers in the region, they would need to consider alternatives to the technologies and services that rely on them.
Video of the Smyth County Planning Commission meeting can be viewed here.
