MORE INFORMATION ON DATA CENTERS
IS FRANKLIN COUNTY AT RISK?
The FCCC requested a multitude of documents through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) relating to the zoning rewrite and the contract with the Berkley Group. A series of emails and documents that raised concerns was discovered regarding the distinct possibility that a Data Center could come to Franklin County. Â
The Current Zoning Ordinance allows Data Centers by-right at the Summit View Business Park. Â
Even more frightening is that in the non-zoned areas of Franklin County (Snow Creek, Blue Ridge, and Black Water Districts) there are no regulations on Data Centers. There is nothing to stop a Data Center from purchasing large portions of land in those non-zoned areas and build. All they need to do is find a landowner willing to sell. And their lucrative offers make it difficult to say no.
At the recent joint work session between the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission, Supervisor Tim Tatum asked if there was a way to ban Data Centers in the unzoned areas without implementing zoning. No one had an answer.
An email thread between Supervisor Dan Quinn, Economic Development Director Dani Poe, County Administrator Steve Sandy, and Supervisor Lorie Smith indicates that Summit View Business Park is considered a "good fit" for the right data center.
Our Research
(Click on the topic you would like to read more about)
Zoning ordinances for neighboring counties either welcome or limit data centers.
How many jobs do data centers really provide?
Franklin County can amend its zoning ordinance.
Briefing for the Board of Supervisors on data centers.
How much tax revenue would a data center really provide?
Virginia Executive Order 22 on Data Centers – What it does and doesn’t do.
Some interesting external links that provide more information on the effects of data centers on communities.
Click on the picture to access the link.
NEWSWEEK:
Map Shows Where Data Centers Are Being Built in Drought-Hit Areas
CONSUMER REPORTS
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AI Data Centers: Big Tech's Impact on Electric Bills, Water, and More
BROOKINGS:
The local implications of data centers for rural communities in the US
Data Centers in Virginia - A 2024 comprehensive report
Franklin County is being sold out through membership in economic development partnerships
DATA CENTERS 101
A powerpoint presentation by SWVA DCTA
