As residents of Chesapeake, Virginia, we believe that representative government begins with transparency, public accountability, and informed leadership. Decisions that will shape our community for generations deserve open discussion, and those seeking the public's trust should be willing to publicly affirm where they stand on issues that directly affect our quality of life, our health, our safety, our homes, our neighborhoods, and the future of our community.

Data centers are notorious for their substantial energy consumption and water usage, leading to potential strain on our local resources. Additionally, the noise and air pollution associated with such developments could dramatically decrease the livability of our neighborhoods. Moreover, data centers require a significant infrastructure investment, which may lead to increased utility and tax costs that our citizens should not have to bear.

A data center is not just a project; it would be an encroachment on our way of life. The explosion of traffic, the constant rumble of equipment, and the increase in pollution could irreparably harm our community's environment and charm. We must consider the long-term implications on Chesapeake's growth and sustainability.

We believe that there are better solutions that align with sustainable development and the preferences of our community. Alternative approaches can and must be explored to ensure a future that prioritizes the well-being of our residents without compromising on technical or infrastructural advancements. We do not want Data Centers anywhere in our City that would exceed the protective parameters listed in the last paragraph of this petition. We encourage the City Council to rezone the PUD designation, that would still allow by-right Data Center development in the Coastal Virginia Commerce Park.

We are asking all Chesapeake City Council candidates to publicly pledge against supporting snydata center development that would surpass the recommendations listed below.. The 8 month moratorium placed on Data Center development, will not expire before early voting starts, September 18, 2026 or election day, November 3, 2026. Transparency is not partisan. Accountability is not partisan. Before asking for the public's vote, those seeking public office should be willing to publicly state where they stand on issues that may shape the future of our community for decades to come.

Please join us in urging our candidates to protect Chesapeake’s future. Sign this petition and make your voice heard. Our city deserves to maintain its integrity and vibrancy, without succumbing to detrimental industrial pressures.

To clarify, many servers are required to keep certain business and municipal services running. These are often considered small Data Centers.
Some small Data Centers are already operating in Chesapeake, in this service capacity. This petition is asking the Candidates to support requirements that Data Centers buildings not be larger than 15,000 square feet. Also, that Data Center Campuses take up no more than 2 acres. Electricity demand should be no higher than 5 megawatts. Noise levels would be capped at 45dba at night and 60dba during the 7am to 5pm hours. Setbacks of no less than 1,000 feet is required from residential and agricultural property lines. These types of centers are to be permitted only in industrial zoned parks, Commercial and City owned campuses. There would be a limit of one Data Center per Industrial Park.  Air cooled Data Centers would be preferred; closed loop systems requiring less than 5,000 gallons of municipal supplied water per day would be permitted. All proposed Data Centers meeting these protective restrictions would be considered, based on a conditional use of permitting procedures.