Developer pulls current proposal for Pittsylvania Co. data center to make improvements

A Herndon-based developer with proposed plans for a data center in Pittsylvania County has requested to withdraw its current application to make improvements to its proposal after residents recently voiced concerns.

Founder and managing member of Balico, Irfan Ali, released a statement on November 4 addressing the project and community concerns. Below is the release in full:

We have been greatly encouraged by the support of local business leaders for the creation of a world-class campus for data centers in Pittsylvania County. They recognize the transformative economic impact that this project, which includes a dedicated power source, could have on the region, especially its potential to generate millions for education, recreation, and public safety while also keeping property taxes low for residents across the County. The project will also create hundreds of good-paying, high-tech jobs that will remain in the community long after construction has finished. Nearby Mecklenburg County is a great example of the direct tax revenue increases and economic benefits generated by data center development. Our team welcomed the opportunity to hold two community engagement meetings last week and answer questions from neighbors. Based on those discussions, we have identified assorted changes to our plan that we believe will address many questions posed and, at the same time, improve our proposal. In order to allow us to finalize these changes and continue the conversation with neighbors, we have informed the County of our request to withdraw the application in its current form. To be clear, we are not abandoning the project, and we look forward in the coming weeks and months to sharing the tremendous benefits that it offers to all of Pittsylvania County.