February 7, 2025

Today the Chesterfield County Economic Development Authority (EDA) filed two zoning cases in response to a confidential economic development project.

These rezonings seek approval to allow for data center development and accessory uses in areas of the county where light industrial land uses have been projected through long-term comprehensive planning or recent zoning cases.

The properties, on a portion of Watkins Centre (25SN1040) and an expanded portion of Upper Magnolia Green West (25SN1038), were chosen due to their proximity to existing or planned electrical infrastructure, existing or planned public utilities, and areas that are large enough to be master planned and developed.

This initiative is expected to bring significant and sustained economic benefits, including job creation, increased tax revenue, and enhanced opportunities for local businesses in the technology and construction sectors.

“With the increasing reliance on digital services, data centers are a critical component of modern infrastructure” said Garrett Hart, director of the Chesterfield County Economic Development. “These rezoning efforts will enable us to secure a top-tier operator with a strong track record of supporting communities and practicing efficient operations globally.”

Concurrently, the EDA filed a zoning amendment (25SN1039) to the Upper Magnolia Green East zoning case that further refines the visions for the development of the Upper Magnolia Green East property.

This amendment removes all residential development from 700+ acres, restores 15,000-plus linear feet of streams, and creates the Swift Creek Preserve, a designated preservation area on 350-plus acres that will be managed by the county. These actions, above and beyond any regulatory requirements will protect natural resources, provide environmental education opportunities, and continue to improve the exceptional water quality of the Swift Creek Reservoir.

While removing residential density and improving environmental protections, the Upper Magnolia Green East property will also serve as home to new elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as a planned public library. The amendment also places critical community infrastructure on the Upper Magnolia Green East property to serve existing and planned growth. Locations for a water tower, communications tower, and electric power substation are all needed in western Chesterfield to create redundant utility systems serving the community and are carefully planned for in this zoning amendment.

The EDA is excited to pursue these private sector investments in Chesterfield County that create opportunities to further build community infrastructure. These projects will deliver sustained funding solutions for schools, roads, and parks as Chesterfield continues to build on the goal of being a First Choice Community for residents, businesses and visitors.

These zoning applications will go through the standard public review process, including community engagement meetings and hearings before the Chesterfield County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. The EDA encourages residents and stakeholders to participate in these discussions to learn more about the projects.

Community meetings will be held for each of the zoning cases and those dates are listed below.

Community meeting for Upper Magnolia Green West and Upper Magnolia Green East Amendment:
Was held on February 27th from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Moseley Elementary School, 7100 Magnolia Green Pkwy, Moseley, VA 23120.

Community meeting for Watkins Centre South:
Was held on February 24th from 6:30 p.m . to 8 p.m. at Midlothian High School, 401 Charter Colony Parkway, Midlothian, VA 23114

For press inquiries, please contact: Jake Elder, elderjf@chesterfield.gov, 804-748-1040