Franklin County residents bash supervisors on data center discussions
More than 40 speakers addressed the Franklin County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday night, and every single one expressed strong opposition to a data center potentially coming to the county.
Documents obtained by county residents through the Virginia Freedom of Information Act have shown the county in secretive negotiations with data center developer Crusoe since at least November 2025 about a "Project Flash." Those discoveries have led to a groundswell of opposition to the project.
Emily Blankenship-Tucker, an opponent of "Project Flash," a data center proposed for Franklin County's Summit View Business Park, addresses the board of supervisors during Tuesday night's meeting in Rocky Mount.
That opposition brought more than 200 people crowding into the Franklin County Government Center boardroom Tuesday. Many held signs, cheered speakers and shouted at supervisors.
The vast majority of speakers were critical of the lack of public involvement in county discussions that could bring a data center to the Summit View Business Park. They questioned the use of nondisclosure agreements between the county staff and potential businesses that have kept the public in the dark.
"Shouldn't you agree that a highly controversial project, like the data center, that affects our environment, our water, our air, our electrical grid, the value of homes, the health of all citizens, especially those living in close proximity, deserves and demands transparency and public input?" asked Jennie West of Ferrum.
Opponents of "Project Flash," a data center proposed for Franklin County's Summit View Business Park, packed the board of supervisors meeting Tuesday night in Rocky Mount.
Peggy Newman of Snow Creek shared a similar statement during the public comment period. She questioned why county residents have yet to see anything official on the potential data center.
"If you didn't have nothing to hide, you wouldn't have signed an NDA to start with," Newman said.
Several speakers were critical of board members who have not shared information with the residents who elected them. Christine Sizemore with the Franklin County Community Coalition questioned current county rules enforced by supervisors she said does more to protect businesses.
"You were elected to serve the people, not shield the government from the people," Sizemore said. "If you cannot do that, make room for those who will."
Will Cleaveland, an opponent of "Project Flash," a data center proposed for Franklin County's Summit View Business Park, addresses the board of supervisors during Tuesday night's meeting in Rocky Mount.
During the afternoon portion of Tuesday's meeting, supervisors agreed to future work sessions to discuss the potential impact any data center could have on the county. In those discussions, supervisors made no statements on "Project Flash" to the crowd.
Some of the strongest criticism during the public comment period was focused on Gills Creek District representative and board Chair Lorie Smith. Multiple speakers called for her resignation Tuesday evening with some shouting it from the audience.
"I'm calling on the members of the board to reconsider the current chairman's position as they countlessly abused their power and vote in this position," said Danae Crosby of Westlake.
Opponents of "Project Flash," a data center proposed for Franklin County's Summit View Business Park, applaud for a comment during the board of supervisors meeting Tuesday night in Rocky Mount.
Crosby criticized what she saw as a lack of transparency when it comes to ongoing data center discussions. She questioned why members of the community should have to spend their money and time with FOIA requests to learn what the county government is doing.
"The decision to remain silent and secretive about these proposed plans speaks volumes on our board of supervisors and our chairman," Crosby said.
Secrecy is not uncommon in connection with state and local economic development projects, and closed-door meetings and document exemptions from the FOIA law are allowed under state law. Any decisions on the sale of land or other agreements related to an economic development project, however, must be made in public votes.
Franklin County Board of Supervisors members Nick Mitchell, from left, and Mike Carter listen to public comments and discuss the impact of a potential data center on the county's water supply during Tuesday's meeting.
Smith was named as chairperson in January when supervisors voted for her to take the position during the annual organizational meeting held at the start of each year. She replaced former Boone District representative and Chairman Ronnie Thompson, who did not seek reelection in 2025.
Smith was first elected to represent Gills Creek in 2019. She was reelected in 2023 when she ran uncontested. Her current term ends Dec. 31, 2027.Â
In addition to Smith, Union Hall District representative Dan Quinn, Blackwater District representative Marshall Jamison and Blue Ridge District representative Tim Tatum will be on the ballot next year, representing a majority of the seven-member board. The remaining three supervisors will be up for reelection in 2029.
Franklin County Board of Supervisors Chair Lorie Smith, from left, and Vice Chair Nick Mitchell listen to public comments and discuss the impact of a potential data center on the county's water supply during Tuesday's meeting.
Public comment lasted for more than two hours Tuesday night with each speaker provided three minutes. Multiple speakers went over the three minute limit and continued speaking with the encouragement of the audience.
Erica Cundiff of Rocky Mount was removed from the boardroom when she went over her allowed time and refused to stop speaking. Smith asked a deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office to remove Cundiff from the podium, which led to several angry comments from the audience as the meeting was nearing its end.Â
Following Tuesday's meeting, Penny Hodges of Gills Creek said she was pleased with the turnout. She is one of several county residents who have shared information on Project Flash with the public on Facebook.
Due to the large number of people who came to Tuesday's meeting, Hodges called on supervisors to hold the next meeting at a location such as the Franklin County High School auditorium to allow more seating.
Opponents of "Project Flash," a data center proposed for Franklin County's Summit View Business Park, packed the board of supervisors meeting Tuesday night in Rocky Mount.
"I'm very pleased with how the citizens spoke up," Hodges said. "They spoke out against the data center. They spoke about their lack of trust with the board of supervisors and, specifically, the chairman who was asked to resign."
Sizemore added that the work of members of the community and the Franklin County Community Coalition paid off with the significant turnout. She was hopeful that the anger and disappointment from speakers had an impact on supervisors.
"I hope none of them can sleep," Sizemore said.
Jason Dunovant (540) 981-3324
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