Mesh Capital: Lynchburg, VA

Despite Campbell County supervisors denying a request to remove a protective proffer on a 57-acre property, a data center is still likely because it is a by-right use under heavy industrial zoning, and the developer, Mesh Capital LLC, has submitted new, scaled-back plans that county staff deemed compliant with the existing proffer, allowing the project to proceed without a public hearing or board vote.

According to site plans submitted by the applicant, the data center would have consisted of three buildings totaling around 450,000 sq ft (41,806 sqm).

Residents are strongly opposed, citing concerns over massive water and electricity usage and a lack of oversight due to a recent change in the special use permit process, and they have until the end of November to petition the Board of Supervisors, which has already received one appeal and will hold a formal hearing later.