Text amendments pave way for possible construction of data centers in Charles City

A change in text amendments and language through a joint meeting between Charles City’s Planning Commission and Charles City’s Board of Supervisors has paved a way for the possibility of data centers to be created in the county.

Supervisors voted 3-0 to add text amendments that would allow the creation of data centers in light industrial, heavy industrial, and planned industrial park district following the Apr. 23 regular board meeting.

According to Charles City Director of Community Development Gary Mitchell, the county has received inquiries from various firms about the creation of data centers in the county. The text amendments would allow the county to get a one-up on an area that is lacking throughout the state.

The targeted area for the data centers would be Roxbury Industrial Park. Because of its proximity to both Interstate 64 and high traffic areas, the creation could provide a source of much-needed revenue for the county. While maps of the areas that would house the facility were shown, language was needed for companies to move forward.

After hearing the information, supervisors approved the text amendments to allow the changes. In other matters addressed by county leaders:

–Denied text amendments for the construction of smaller solar energy facilities in the county. Supervisors denied a request from New Leaf Energy based on information that Chairman Byron Adkins Sr. deemed as inconsistent and problematic.

–Approved 2-1 to approve a new playground design at Harrison Park in the amount of $207,731.23. The theme of the park will be based on the historical Charles City Black Sox baseball team, with funding provided by ARPA. District 1 representative Ryan Patterson voted to deny the project as he shared concerns with funds not being used to address parking and upgrading the concession stand.