Letter to the Editor: Says public need to object to New Kent’s Technology Overlay District proposal

New Kent’s Board of Supervisors is preparing to vote on a draft of a misguided and ill-advised Technology Overlay District (TOD) that will create a “slightly streamlined process to entice data centers to locate within TOD boundaries.

A “streamlined process” to make building data centers more convenient will also make New Kent more inviting to the companies that build these eight-story monstrosities. New Kent doesn’t need to entice the construction of data centers along Route 33. We need to create heavy regulations and onerous standards; insurmountable obstacles to their construction, which will make our county an unappealing place for them.

Data centers attract more data centers. Research reveals that wherever data centers are located, the people of those localities have seen increased utility bills and a severe negative impact on the environment. Noise causes migraines, agitation, and stress to people, pets, and livestock. Vibrations from the centers can disturb sleep and can lead to cardiovascular problems. Light pollution obscuring the stars at night and “islands of heat” near the centers affect people up to six miles away.

Data centers create very few jobs, and those who work those jobs usually community from other localities. Increased tax revenue? Maybe, but at the high cost of improving current infrastructure while depreciating home values, losing current residents, and failing to attract new ones.

No one wants to live in a community dominated by data centers. Most people understand this. So, why doesn’t our Board of Supervisors understand this? Where have you guys been?

Speak up now, New Kent neighbors, or you may be soon be saying goodbye to peace and quiet, still nights, starry skies, sensible electric bills, and the rural flavor of New Kent.

Tom English
Lanexa