BOCO County Conversations

From Plans to Permits: Zoning, Sound, and Lighting at the Google Data Center

Join us for an in-depth look at the planning and zoning behind the upcoming Google Data Center project in Botetourt County. We are joined by Nicole Pendleton, Director of Community Development, for a comprehensive discussion on the County's oversight of this development.

In this episode, we unpack:

The History of the Business Park: How the site was selected and its evolution leading up to this project.

The Regulatory Framework: A breakdown of the zoning, permitting, and planning requirements managed by the Community Development department.

Addressing Community Impact: Factual insights into site mitigation strategies, including managing noise, lighting, and environmental considerations.

The Development Process: What the path from proposal to construction looks like for large-scale technical infrastructure.

Learn more about the project at botetourtva.gov/google

Data Center Discussion: Economic Impact, Community Concerns, and Google’s Long-Term Commitment

In this episode of County Conversations, host Brent Watts continues the discussion surrounding the proposed Google data center campus in Botetourt County with guest Clay Allsop from Google Public Affairs. The conversation explores why data centers often generate public concern, how media coverage can shape perceptions, and how Google works to address questions from local communities directly and transparently.

Clay discusses the differences between large-scale data center development in Northern Virginia and what a rural campus in Botetourt County could look like. The episode also examines the potential economic impact of the project, including estimated annual tax revenue, how data center business property is assessed, and why local governments view these facilities as long-term investments.

The discussion also addresses concerns about Google’s long-term commitment to the community, future trends in data center technology, and how advances in efficiency could shape operations in the years ahead. The episode concludes with information on where residents can continue following updates and learning more about the project.

Learn more at: botetourtva.gov/Google

Data Center Discussion: Power, Water, and Infrastructure at Google’s Botetourt Campus

In this episode of County Conversations, host Brent Watts sits down with Clay Allsop from Google Public Affairs to answer some of the community’s biggest questions about the proposed Google data center campus in Botetourt County. The discussion focuses on critical infrastructure topics, including electricity demand, water usage, cooling systems, backup generators, and long-term sustainability planning.

Clay explains how Google approaches infrastructure upgrades, how early planning estimates differ from actual operational water use, and what residents can realistically expect from the data center once it becomes operational inside the Greenfield business park. The conversation also addresses concerns surrounding backup power generators, emergency operations during outages, and how modern data centers are designed to operate efficiently and responsibly.

The episode closes with a preview of the next County Conversations installment, which will explore public perception, community concerns, and the broader conversation surrounding data centers in local communities.

Learn more on the County's Google website at  botetourtva.gov/Google

Data Center Discussion: Talking with Google About a Timeline

Brent Watts talks with Clay Allsop with Google Public Affairs about how they select an area to locate in, and we'll get an idea of the timeline and how long it will take to get the Data Center Campus up and running in the Botetourt Center and Greenfield. 

Learn more at botetourtva.gov/google

Data Center Discussion: Building the Future of County Schools

In this episode of County Conversations, Brent Watts sits down with County Administrator Gary Larrowe to discuss how the Google Data Center campus at the Botetourt Center at Greenfield could create a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the County. A look at how new revenue from the project could help modernize aging school facilities, fund future school construction, and reduce the burden on local taxpayers. 

Learn more about the project at: botetourtva.gov/google

Data Center Discussion: A Game-Changer for Botetourt County

In this episode of Botetourt County Conversations, County Administrator Gary Larrowe joins Brent Watts to discuss the Google data center campus to be constructed at the Botetourt Center at Greenfield and what it could mean for the County’s economic future. Learn how the land sale, a $4 million grant and future tax revenue are already helping fund major needs without increasing taxes. The conversation also explores how the project could strengthen the county’s tax base, reduce pressure on homeowners and create long-term opportunities for schools, infrastructure and public services.

Learn more at: botetourtva.gov/google