Pittsylvania County residents to speak on withdrawn data center plan despite project shift

CHATHAM, Va. (WSET) — Residents of Pittsylvania County will have the opportunity to express their opinions on a proposed data center project, despite the developer, Balico LLC, having already withdrawn the plan.

The proposal, initially introduced by the Herndon-based company in October, envisioned a 2,000-acre campus with 84 data centers in Chatham. Following community opposition, the plan was reduced to 750 acres with 12 data centers. However, local residents remain concerned about the potential disruption to their rural ecosystem.

RELATED: Families skeptical after Balico pulls plug on data center, shifts to housing development

Robert Tucker, Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, emphasized the importance of allowing community members to voice their concerns. "We certainly need people or want people to express their concerns, that's their First Amendment right. To be able to speak at these meetings, so we don't want to deny them that opportunity," said Tucker.

Despite Balico's decision to explore residential projects for the land, Tucker stated that the board will only discuss the original proposal at tonight's meeting.

But he did express how Balico's last-minute withdrawal will affect their reputation.

"You don't get a second chance to make a first good impression," Tucker said.

The public hearing is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Chatham High School.