Letter to the Editor: Says Charles City Planning Commission failed by favoring request for data center

Charles City County’s Planning Commission met May 8 to vote on a request to rezone 515 acres situated in a residential and agricultural area of District One for a hyperscale data center complex developed by Diode Ventures. After two hours of public comments opposing the project, the commission voted to send a favorable vote for the project to the board of supervisors.

While most understand the need for development in this county to increase revenue, many were left dumbfounded with their vote and their blatant disrespect for the community. It seemed that only two out of the six commissioners appeared present and engaged in what the community had to say.

Diode already owns 200 acres off Chambers Road. There’s very limited residential impact in that area there. Why doesn’t Diode utilize that parcel to build their data center? The answer is simple: Greed.

The more space a data center complex has to offer a potential tenant, the easier it is to lease it out. Additionally, Diode was unable to provide any solid answer to questions ask, including how many buildings would be built where they will get the water from, or how much revenue it will bring in for the county.

The planning commission failed the citizens of this county, the environment, and the rural charm of this community. If Diode is ultimately approved for this residential area, we will forever suffer the consequences of their misfeasance, at best. At worst, we’ll become sick, sleep-deprived, and have increased mental health concerns. But money, right?

Brandi Marano
Charles City