Henrico Planning Commission recommends denial of proposed data center near Henrico HS

At its Oct. 10 meeting, the Henrico Planning Commission issued a rare recommendation of denial, to a proposed data center and light industrial complex in the Fairfield District on the Richmond-Henrico Turnpike near its intersection with Azalea Avenue. Planning Department staff had recommended approval, but the proposal had raised opposition from nearby residents who cited noise, traffic, and environmental concerns.

The property is located a mile from Henrico High School and sits near the Azelea Flea Market and an Amazon distribution center. The developer, BWS Enterprises LLC, already had modified the proposal during its consultation with the Planning department, first increasing it to cover 32 acres rather than the original 27, then shrinking it down to 5.8 acres in the last few days before the hearing.

Data center proposals, such as a 522-acre proposal approved by the Henrico Board of Supervisors in May, have seen some community opposition in the past citing similar concerns. The developer in this case had agreed to similar conditions as previous approved proposals in the county. One difference from some past proposals was that this proposed data center would be located closer to residential areas, though also smaller in size than other data center developments.

Commissioners didn’t point to a specific reason for the denial, though some asked questions about the usage of diesel generators and noise levels and expressed concerns about possible pollution impacting area communities.

Cases recommended for denial by the planning commission still advance to the Henrico Board of Supervisors for final consideration, though developers often elect to make changes or delay the process to address concerns prior to appearing before the board.