The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a rezoning request that brings the idea of a data center in the Ringgold community closer to a realty.  The nearly 950 acre property along U.S. 58 was rezoned to an industrial district.

Ahead of the vote Tom Gallagher who represented Anchorstone Advisors SOVA talked about how vital data centers have become in today’s society from as data libraries.  Anything from agriculture to, AI, along with military and national security data centers have seen a rapid rise in need.  He went on to tout the data center as a high yield low impact revenue source. Pittsylvania County could see between $120 – $200 million in tax revenue from the $4 billion dollar investment.

It could also create 500 high wage jobs. Local residents took issue with the projects impact on their neighborhoods siting the concerns with lighting, noise, and visibility.  They also questions with the variety of areas the county could implement the data center why in their neighborhoods. The rezoned property has access to utilities and adequate consistent power supply which is something that is a must have for a project of this scope.

The data center project will now seek a special use permit to allow for construction in the next 12-18 months.