Etheridge Lakes Data Center

The proposed data center in Chesapeake, Virginia, which was planned for a 22.6-acre parcel, was ultimately rejected by the Chesapeake City Council in a unanimous 7-0 vote. The project sought to build a 350,000 sq ft (32,000 sqm) data center on land located on the west side of Centerville Turnpike and south of Etheridge Manor Boulevard.

This decision effectively halted the construction of what would have been the Hampton Roads region's first major data center at that specific site, following strong opposition from local residents and a recommendation for denial by the Planning Commission. Community concerns centered on the facility's proximity to residential neighborhoods, potential for excessive noise and light pollution, and the burden it would place on local utilities like the power grid and water supply.

While the developer confirmed the rejection meant the project was "dead" for that particular location, they have indicated they are exploring alternative sites in other Hampton Roads localities, suggesting the effort to bring a data center to the region is still ongoing.