Residents urge King William supervisors to block data centers as county reopens survey

The King William County Board of Supervisors heard an extended public‑comment block July 27 that centered on concern over a proposed technology‑uses ordinance and the possibility of data‑center development in the county.

County Administrator Derek Stamey said the county reopened the survey on the draft ordinance and reported 506 responses through July 15, exceeding a stated statistical threshold of 375 responses; Stamey said 97% of respondents identified as King William residents and that "83% of respondents strongly oppose technological development." He told the board staff will arrange visits to technology sites, hold two town halls (one in the Central Garage area and one in the West Point area), convene subject matter experts for a workshop, and then release a revised draft and a public hearing date.

Many speakers urged the board to tighten or remove 'by‑right' approval language in the draft ordinance and to require enforceable limits on water and energy use. "Any technology ordinance that is developed specifically bans data centers and data‑center adjacent facilities from entering our county," Celeste Garrett said, explaining she had researched environmental and community impacts and wanted water and air protections written as requirements rather than guidance.

Other residents raised technical concerns: James Barnett highlighted water use and said a medium‑sized data center "may use on the order of 100,000,000 gallons of water per year," and Tim Vaughn urged the board to consider aquifer recharge rates and high‑voltage infrastructure constraints before allowing large projects. Several speakers, including Jenny Maloney, urged transparency: "Please do not sign any nondisclosure agreements," she said, and requested removal of 'by right' language from drafts.

Board members repeatedly noted that no vote on the ordinance would occur at the meeting and that state law requires public notice before any final vote. The board recorded that it would take residents' comments into account as staff develops the next draft and schedules public engagement opportunities.