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Having a very civic day. Came out for the planning commission meeting, regarding the proposed data centers near my & my parents’ neighborhoods. Big crowd — I’m in overflow room.

LMAO my parents are here too but I did not know it until we texted each other about it

Gentleman speaking now on behalf of neighborhood on Goochland side of the line. Questioning upcoming reaffirment of technology overlay district; massive industrial complex incompatible with established residential communities.

(I am listening today, bc I have catching up to do on the details of this issue. But I will be bringing my rhetorical skills to bear in the future.)

Another gentleman speaks up on behalf of the 26000 Henrico households within three miles of the proposed data centers, stressing moral imperative to think about the region, not just county lines. Mentions that Louisa Co just decided to put center in THEIR border, which no one likes.

Lady speaking now on ramifications of large centers on other resources, such as increased response time of emergency services.

Another lady speaking to health hazards posed by too rapid industrial development — and the lies and obfuscation corporations employ to get these things approved. Cites a study regarding what even 10% of these data centers’ output would do. Grim.

Now a lady who lives along the creek that will be impacted by data centers. Speaks about the wildlife she sees there. Sound pollution over water. Ecological fragility of the wetland.

Oh heck yeah — She says that putting these things near a bunch of 55+ communities (which many on Goochland side of line are) would constitute elder abuse.

Lady now speaking about how data centers devastated her community up in Ashburn — just moved here a year ago. Warning what the impact *will* be. Not could be. Will. Also quoting from Goochland Co charter about balanced land use & preservation of rural areas & natural resources.

Gentleman now speaking about how the only people who benefit from these data centers are rich people who live nowhere near them. Says he works in IT, so he doesn’t hate tech, but knows these things are bad.