PITTSBERNIA COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – A new data center could be built there after the city planning commission recommended a rezoning.
The Pittsylvania County Planning Commission unanimously recommended zoning for the new data center, a development that could bring up to $5 billion in investment to the county. The project could create up to 500 new jobs.
Thomas Gallagher, principal of Anchorstone Advisors SOVA LLC, said the center will rezone more than 900 acres south of U.S. 58 in Ringgold.
“Data centers provide a secure and reliable way to store and archive data – they are heavily used in the healthcare sector and are only growing in number – and they also provide fast and reliable connections for web users who perform daily tasks such as texting, social media and email,” Gallagher said.
The project could bring in up to $120 million in tax revenue over 10 to 15 years, but some residents oppose the development, citing concerns about traffic congestion, lower property values ​​and noise levels.
“We don’t need our property to be devalued any more,” one resident said.
“It’s going to affect the neighbors. It’s going to affect the kids. We don’t want it there,” another resident said.
Gallagher addressed the concerns, saying he works under regulations.
“Our proposal basically confirms that we have to comply with the regulation of 65 decibels at the property line,” Gallagher said.
Planning Commission members supported the project despite local opposition.
“Tax revenue wise, we’ve just been watching our taxes go up and that’s not fun. This is a great way to make sure that doesn’t happen again,” said Justin Brown with the Dan River District.
“So many people felt left out when the casino came to Danville. This is the casino. It’s time to grow,” said Janet Meese of the Curran’s Gretna district.
It would be the South Side’s first data center. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on the rezoning in July.
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