By Jaida Simone
Publication Date: 2026-10-22 03:03:00
ROANOKE, Va. (WSET) — People in the Roanoke area rallied Wednesday at the corner of Grandin Road and Memorial Avenue, calling for a pause on future data center projects and more transparency from leaders making development decisions.
Protesters said they are concerned about the rapid growth of data centers across Virginia and the potential long-term effects on communities, including increased energy and water use and higher electricity costs.
“How much energy is it going to use, how much water is it going to use, and how, most importantly, are they going to keep people safe?” said protester Tim Cywinski.
Katherine Hach said she believes data center development is moving too quickly without enough consideration of the potential consequences.
“It’s moving too much, too fast and there were consequences. And the people don’t care about those consequences,” Hach said.
SEE ALSO: Danville protesters call for pause on new Virginia data centers
Other protesters said their concerns are not about…
