NO Data Processing Centers in Grove EVER
NO Data Processing Centers in Grove EVER
The Issue
UPDATE: according to WHRO and the JCC Board of Supervisors, new limitations have been set in place for locations of data centers in JCC. BUT the fight isn't over.
a. Data centers should be located on property inside the Primary Service Area.
b. Data centers should not be located within 1,000 feet of occupied dwellings or within 250 feet of historic, cultural, recreational, special flood hazard areas, and environmentally sensitive areas and resources. Data centers should incorporate appropriate setbacks, buffers, and screening to address proximity to the above-named areas. For the purpose of this policy, the recommended distances shall be measured from the fenced area of the data center.
c. Data centers should avoid the disturbance of habitat cores, blocks, and corridors connecting habitat areas.
d. Data centers should have principal access from roads meeting Virginia Department of Transportation ("VDOT") standards. While collector or arterial roads are preferred, access from local roads may be considered. Principal access from roads not meeting VDOT standards, local roads through neighborhoods or platted subdivisions, or across railroad tracks are not acceptable, and secondary or construction access from these roads and across railroad tracks is discouraged.
The guidelines still very much allow for the industrial zone of GROVE to be used as a potential data center and it is very much a desire of multiple stakeholders to make the most revenue off of vacant lands in the Roberts District.
---
On July 2,2025, the JCC Planning Commission spoke about Data Processing Centers (DPC). While we are glad these decisions will go through a "specialty use permit" process and that Stephen Rogers of the Berkeley District share his thoughts on the insanity of these centers in Loudoun County, we want to make sure that all GROVE RESIDENTS KNOW of this possibility and that we make our desires known NOW that we do NOT want a DPC in the Grove area.
A few facts:
The safe level of noise is 70 decibels. HVAC fans in data centers generate noise levels ranging from 55 to 85 decibels and can be heard for miles. This contributes to the loud humming and buzzing sounds that people associate with data centers and can go up when generators are being used and tested.
At the Planning Meeting, terms were used to describe the Grove Community that we are NOT pleased with. One of which is "Established Communities", Data Centers were immediately withdrawn from JCC zoned areas called Economic Opportunity Zones because "established communities" were close. Grove was settled in 1618, many of our communities predate the ones around the EO zones by centuries and decades. It was also stated in this meeting that "no body lives down there" when talking about the Grove a community over 2,500.
In Grove, we once had "Log Cabin Beach" which was a thriving river access but was lost to the sewage treatment plant.
In 1972 we got Ball Aluminum which you can hear and you can smell the processing of aluminum.
In the late 90s Colonial Williamsburg sold Carters Grove and we lost our final river access to a private owner.
40-50 ft power lines and switching stations divide our established communities,
And soon we are getting an additional sewer facility along with a grease trap processing location
We CAN go on.
We mention all this because the word "hysterical' came up in reference to those against any Data Center however not once did members of Grove get hysterical about all these additions just mentioned.
The people of the Grove DESERVE and REQUIRE respect.
Lastly what the BASF plant should represent to everyone here is that this is the County's last chance of river access. Jamestown Beach is now packed fully most of the time and with added residents over the coming years, we know the overcrowding of river access is inevitable.
LET James City County Board of Supervisors know that we want HEALTHY development contributing to the public without the over-industrialization we have already lived with for decades. Our community deserves better.
Thank you and help us spread the word to our neighbors! Get involved. Let's TRANSFORM AND ELEVATE GROVE COMMUNITY!
317
The Issue
UPDATE: according to WHRO and the JCC Board of Supervisors, new limitations have been set in place for locations of data centers in JCC. BUT the fight isn't over.
a. Data centers should be located on property inside the Primary Service Area.
b. Data centers should not be located within 1,000 feet of occupied dwellings or within 250 feet of historic, cultural, recreational, special flood hazard areas, and environmentally sensitive areas and resources. Data centers should incorporate appropriate setbacks, buffers, and screening to address proximity to the above-named areas. For the purpose of this policy, the recommended distances shall be measured from the fenced area of the data center.
c. Data centers should avoid the disturbance of habitat cores, blocks, and corridors connecting habitat areas.
d. Data centers should have principal access from roads meeting Virginia Department of Transportation ("VDOT") standards. While collector or arterial roads are preferred, access from local roads may be considered. Principal access from roads not meeting VDOT standards, local roads through neighborhoods or platted subdivisions, or across railroad tracks are not acceptable, and secondary or construction access from these roads and across railroad tracks is discouraged.
The guidelines still very much allow for the industrial zone of GROVE to be used as a potential data center and it is very much a desire of multiple stakeholders to make the most revenue off of vacant lands in the Roberts District.
---
On July 2,2025, the JCC Planning Commission spoke about Data Processing Centers (DPC). While we are glad these decisions will go through a "specialty use permit" process and that Stephen Rogers of the Berkeley District share his thoughts on the insanity of these centers in Loudoun County, we want to make sure that all GROVE RESIDENTS KNOW of this possibility and that we make our desires known NOW that we do NOT want a DPC in the Grove area.
A few facts:
The safe level of noise is 70 decibels. HVAC fans in data centers generate noise levels ranging from 55 to 85 decibels and can be heard for miles. This contributes to the loud humming and buzzing sounds that people associate with data centers and can go up when generators are being used and tested.
At the Planning Meeting, terms were used to describe the Grove Community that we are NOT pleased with. One of which is "Established Communities", Data Centers were immediately withdrawn from JCC zoned areas called Economic Opportunity Zones because "established communities" were close. Grove was settled in 1618, many of our communities predate the ones around the EO zones by centuries and decades. It was also stated in this meeting that "no body lives down there" when talking about the Grove a community over 2,500.
In Grove, we once had "Log Cabin Beach" which was a thriving river access but was lost to the sewage treatment plant.
In 1972 we got Ball Aluminum which you can hear and you can smell the processing of aluminum.
In the late 90s Colonial Williamsburg sold Carters Grove and we lost our final river access to a private owner.
40-50 ft power lines and switching stations divide our established communities,
And soon we are getting an additional sewer facility along with a grease trap processing location
We CAN go on.
We mention all this because the word "hysterical' came up in reference to those against any Data Center however not once did members of Grove get hysterical about all these additions just mentioned.
The people of the Grove DESERVE and REQUIRE respect.
Lastly what the BASF plant should represent to everyone here is that this is the County's last chance of river access. Jamestown Beach is now packed fully most of the time and with added residents over the coming years, we know the overcrowding of river access is inevitable.
LET James City County Board of Supervisors know that we want HEALTHY development contributing to the public without the over-industrialization we have already lived with for decades. Our community deserves better.
Thank you and help us spread the word to our neighbors! Get involved. Let's TRANSFORM AND ELEVATE GROVE COMMUNITY!
317
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on July 8, 2025