Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Hanover County Board of Supervisors approved two rezoning requests: a 5-acre family division on Market Road (REZ 2025-27) allowing AR-6 zoning for a son's lot, and a proffer amendment on Sliding Hill Road (REZ 2025-24) for fiber amplification huts with an 8-foot fence (SE 2025-31). Significant public opposition was voiced against the proposed TRAC Mountain Road data center and Luck Stone quarry projects, with citizens questioning the legitimacy of the 33 Gateway small area planning process and requesting a moratorium on data centers.
Key Decisions (5)
Family Division Rezoning at Market Road
Rezoning of 5.07 acres from A-1 to AR-6 to accommodate a family division for applicant's son. Property located outside suburban service area. Includes 100-foot natural buffer along Market Road, tree preservation requirements, and 5-year ownership requirement for family member.
Special Exception for Garage at Lexington Drive
Special exception SE 2025-32 to allow a garage for more than four vehicles on a 5.5-acre R-2 zoned property at the end of Lexington Drive. Metal garage with lean-to for storing trailer and personal vehicles.
Proffer Amendment for Fiber Amplification Huts on Sliding Hill Road
Rezoning REZ 2025-24 proffer amendment to allow fiber amplification huts with generators on M-2 zoned property across from Totopotomay Trail intersection. Unmanned facility with 50-foot enhanced buffer along Sliding Hill Road.
Special Exception for 8-Foot Fence on Sliding Hill Road
Special exception SE 2025-31 to allow 8-foot black Trex fence surrounding fiber amplification compound, exceeding 7-foot maximum permitted height in M-2 district.
Transportation Committee Appointment
Appointment of Steven Langford to the transportation committee filling an unexpired term expiring 12/31/2026.
Zoning Changes (2)
Market Road, Cold Harbor District
Grubbs Family
Sliding Hill Road at Totopotomay Trail, Ashland District
AECOM
Development Activity (5)
Family Division - Market Road
5.07-acre family division creating one new lot (Parcel A-1) for son, accessed by 20-foot easement from Market Road. Existing home on Parcel A.
Fiber Amplification Facility
Unmanned fiber amplification huts with generators within fenced compound. 50-foot enhanced buffer along Sliding Hill Road, 20-foot industrial buffers on sides.
TRAC Mountain Road Technology Park (33 Gateway)
Proposed 900 megawatt data center on 428 acres. Energization expected 2029. Application filed September 2025.
TRAC Hanover Technology Park (Hickory Hill)
2,400 megawatt data center approved March 2024. Revenue generation delayed from 2028 to 2030. Energization now expected 2029. Loop road construction plan filed August 2025.
Luck Stone Quarry
Proposed rock quarry, asphalt plant, and concrete plant. Approximately 1,000 football fields in size. Structures up to 150 feet. Balloon test conducted January 14.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Real property tax revenues increased 14.3% in 2024 and 9.22% in 2026, with reassessments expected to normalize to 3.3% growth rate going forward.
Commercial Demand
Sales tax annual growth slowed to less than 3% in FY25, down from 6-13% growth in previous years, indicating slower retail/commercial activity.
Infrastructure
Public utilities proposing 6.5% annual rate revenue increases through 2033 to fund $286 million in capital improvements including water supply resiliency projects.
Sentiment
Strong public opposition to data centers with citizens requesting moratorium until Hickory Hill project demonstrates benefits; concerns about water usage, health impacts, and process legitimacy.
Infrastructure
Dominion Energy substation 'Flamingo' for Route 33 data center had $750,000 down payment placed in September 2024, before small area plan process began.