Henrico leaders reject permit for proposed Varina data center campus

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Plans for a massive data center campus in Henrico County have hit another roadblock.

On Thursday, Sept. 11, the county’s Planning Commission voted to deny a provisional use permit (PUP) that would have allowed Wagner Urban Logistics to build on nearly 200 acres along Darbytown Road near Laburnum Avenue in the Varina District.

The decision drew cheers from dozens of neighbors who opposed the development. They'd packed into the boardroom wearing matching “No Data Centers” shirts and holding signs.

“We won the battle, but we need to make sure we win the war,” said Varina resident Shantell Lewis.

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During the public hearing, residents raised a number of concerns, including traffic, air pollution and the property's proximity to schools.

"Children will be subjected to air pollution from diesel generators and noise pollution from gigantic fans required to cool their equipment," one speaker said.

Others argued the environmental impacts would be long-lasting.

“The environmental footprint of a data center will be irreversible and contrary to any commitment to conservation,” another speaker said.

This is the first permit application to come before the county since supervisors approved tighter restrictions on data center projects back in June, requiring PUPs and public hearings.

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The developer defended its proposal, saying the project satisfied Henrico’s requirements.

“This application meets and exceeds all of the jurisdictional prerequisites for approval,” a Wagner Urban Logistics representative told commissioners.

But Varina District Supervisor Tyrone Nelson made it clear ahead of the meeting that he does not support the project. He told 8News he plans to vote against it once the proposal reaches the Board of Supervisors.

“I told the developer from the beginning: unless you can find a way to get the community to say we want this, then I can’t support it,” Nelson said.

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The Planning Commission’s decision serves as a recommendation to the full board. The Henrico Board of Supervisors is expected to take a final vote on the project at its meeting on Oct. 14.

Residents who opposed the data center say they plan to show up again to make their voices heard.