May 19, 2026 Amherst County Board of Supervisors Meeting

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors held a meeting on May 19, 2026, which included extensive public comments primarily focused on concerns about data centers, including their environmental impact, zoning issues, and transparency in the approval process. Several citizens requested the board to consider changing zoning regulations for data centers from by-right to special use permits to allow for greater public input and oversight. The board discussed the potential for a moratorium on data center development and the need for more community engagement. Additionally, the board approved the VDOT rural rustic six-year road plan and a conditional rezoning request for residential development on Cedar Gate Road, including proffers to ensure single-family dwellings. The meeting also covered a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for infrastructure improvements in the South Madison Heights community, with a proposed funding request of up to $2 million. The board appointed Robert Baxter to the Planning Commission and approved a new county representative for the Community Policy and Management Team. Discussions included updates on parks and recreation activities, museum reports, and future agenda items related to tax discounts and data center zoning policies. The board agreed to consider placing data center zoning changes on a future agenda for full board discussion and potential referral to the Planning Commission.