#BotetourtCounty
LightNews LightNews
mldrones.bsky.social
Even cloudy days Botetourt is still beautiful! ☁️

Cloudy skies, clear perspective - let ML Drone elevate your story 📸🚁

#buchananva #roanokeriver #botetourt #botetourtcounty
July 8, 2025 at 1:21 AM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Residents are demanding transparency from Botetourt County supervisors regarding an independent water study linked to a controversial Google data-center deal, raising concerns about secrecy and potential harm to local resources.

Click to read more!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CitizenPortal
Residents press Botetourt supervisors for independent water study and denounce data-center deal
Multiple residents urged the Board of Supervisors to publish the status of an independent water study and voiced sustained opposition to a proposed Google data-center project, naming County Administrator Gary LaRue and criticizing the board's transparency and use of NDAs.
citizenportal.ai
September 27, 2026 at 1:35 AM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Botetourt County is taking rigorous steps to ensure the new Google data center meets strict zoning and environmental standards, promising a balance between innovation and community concerns.

Click to read more!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #EnvironmentalSustainability #CitizenPortal
Nicole Pendleton outlines Botetourt County oversight for planned Google data center
In a County Conversations podcast recorded summer 2026, Botetourt County Community Development Director Nicole Pendleton described how the county is reviewing grading, building and environmental permits, and enforcing buffers, noise and lighting rules for the Google data center planned at the Botetourt Center at Greenfield.
citizenportal.ai
July 11, 2026 at 2:53 AM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
The Roanoke Valley's plan for sustainable water supply faces a daunting funding gap, with costs soaring while state support barely scratches the surface.

Click to read more!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #RegionalPlanning #CitizenPortal #SustainableResources #FundingChallenges #BotetourtCountyWaterSupply
Regional planning commission warns funding gap for state‑mandated water‑supply plans, seeks grants
Roanoke Valley Allegheny Regional Commission staff told the board the state requires regional water‑supply plans by Oct. 2029 but available legislative funding (~$80,000 per planning area) falls well short of estimated costs ($360k–$600k); the commission has applied to USACE technical assistance (50% match) but federal awarding was paused.
citizenportal.ai
August 27, 2026 at 8:45 AM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Residents in Botetourt County are demanding transparency and independent studies regarding the controversial Google data center project, raising alarms over water safety and trust in local governance.

Read the full story

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal
Residents press board on Google data‑center deal, NDAs and water risks
Multiple residents told the board they feel excluded from decision‑making around a proposed Google data center and demanded independent water studies and transparency; speakers alleged past closed negotiations and cited NDAs and a perceived erosion of trust.
citizenportal.ai
August 27, 2026 at 6:50 AM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors just approved a staggering $36.09 million budget amendment, paving the way for crucial capital projects and new fire apparatuses!

Click to read more!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #BotetourtCountyBudget #EmergencyServices #FiscalTransparency
Board approves $36.09 million in rollovers and supplemental appropriations after public hearing
After a public hearing, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors approved $36,086,313 in budget rollovers and supplemental appropriations, including $31.5 million in designated/restricted funds and funding to finish three major capital projects and three new fire apparatuses.
citizenportal.ai
August 27, 2026 at 6:38 AM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
After decades of struggling with low water pressure and quality, Downey Hills is finally set to receive a major upgrade with a new $1.5 million water main approved by local officials.

Learn more here

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureInvestment #WaterQuality
Board approves 2232 permit to extend Western Virginia Water Authority main to Downey Hills
After decades of complaints about low pressure and water quality, the Board approved a commission permit allowing Western Virginia Water Authority to extend approximately 3,800 feet of main to Downey (Donita) Hills to improve pressure, hydrants and water quality; residents spoke in favor and warned about PFAS and boil advisories.
citizenportal.ai
August 27, 2026 at 9:04 AM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Amid a packed room and heated public debate, the Botetourt County Board appointed Shannon Turner to the planning commission, igniting discussions on growth, infrastructure, and potential conflicts of interest.

Click to read more!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal
Board appoints Shannon Turner to planning commission after packed public comment and accusations of conflict
After hours of public comment both supporting and opposing Walter Michael's pick, the Board of Supervisors voted 4–0 with one abstention to appoint Shannon Turner to the Blue Ridge District seat on the planning commission; the meeting featured repeated citizen demands that supervisors respect district nominations and worries about potential developer conflicts.
citizenportal.ai
August 27, 2026 at 6:53 AM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Botetourt County is raising the bar for solar facilities by implementing stringent soil protection and decommissioning requirements—what does this mean for the future of renewable energy in the area?

Learn more here!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #EnvironmentalSustainability #CitizenPortal
Board adopts solar‑siting ordinance amendments with new soil and decommissioning safeguards
After planning commission review and suggested changes, the board accepted amendments to the county's solar ordinance that add NRCS/soil‑scientist determinations for prime farmland and require baseline soil condition testing and five‑year monitoring in A‑1 zones; the board referred comprehensive plan work to the planning commission with a December 31, 2026 deadline.
citizenportal.ai
August 27, 2026 at 6:56 AM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Residents and commissioners in Botetourt County are raising serious concerns about the rushed process behind the solar ordinance, questioning the late arrival of crucial documents and lack of local input.

Read the full story

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CommunityEngagement #PolicyTransparency
Residents and commissioners question consultant process and timeline on solar ordinance
Commissioners and residents said the Berkeley Group draft arrived late in the local 100‑day review window and urged a more open process; staff said the firm was retained on contract to meet the tight statutory schedule.
citizenportal.ai
August 14, 2026 at 3:53 PM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Botetourt County's Planning Commission just voted to deny critical solar text amendments, seeking more time for community input and clarity on environmental protections.

Learn more here!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #EnvironmentalProtection #CommunityInput
Planning commission denies current solar text amendments, asks board for more time
Botetourt County planning commissioners unanimously recommended denial of the current draft solar zoning text and requested an extension to coordinate ordinance changes with comprehensive‑plan updates and additional review, citing state code changes and the need for more community input.
citizenportal.ai
August 14, 2026 at 3:29 PM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Botetourt County's planning commission is at a standstill over a controversial water main extension, raising alarms about PFAS contamination and potential ties to a proposed Google data center.

Get the details!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EnvironmentalHealth
Commission split on water‑main extension after PFAS concerns; matter heads to supervisors
The planning commission split 2‑2 on a Western Virginia Water Authority commission‑permit request to extend a 12‑inch main to the Downida Hills neighborhood after residents raised PFOS test results and transparency questions; the matter will go to the Board of Supervisors.
citizenportal.ai
August 14, 2026 at 3:39 PM
bangy83.bsky.social
Rolling Craig Creek Road through Strom, Botetourt County, in the last low gold hour before sunset — the road follows the creek so close you'…

Every road in West Virginia's coal country, one at a time. Follow along 👇

#CraigCreekRoad #StromVirginia #BotetourtCounty #CraigCreek #A…
August 5, 2026 at 9:08 PM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Botetourt County supervisors have taken a bold step by forming an independent commission to investigate the potential impact of the proposed Google data center on local water supplies and the environment.

Get the details!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #WaterSupply #CitizenPortal #CommunityTrust
Botetourt supervisors authorize independent commission to study water impacts of proposed data center
After weeks of public pressure, the Board of Supervisors voted to appoint a board‑selected, independent commission — funded to hire outside experts — to assess water, environmental and infrastructure impacts of the proposed Google data center campus.
citizenportal.ai
July 29, 2026 at 8:31 PM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Residents packed the room in Botetourt County, demanding an independent water study to assess the potential impact of a massive data center—could this be the tipping point for local water supply concerns?

Click to read more!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #EcologicalImpact #WaterSupply #CitizenPortal
Residents urge independent water study as data center debate intensifies
More than 40 residents urged the Board to allow the planning commission to lead an independent water study or, alternatively, to create an independent panel; commenters cited FOIAed documents, groundwater worries, and potential ecological and noise impacts.
citizenportal.ai
July 29, 2026 at 8:32 PM
cvillegrrrl.bsky.social
Google buys Botetourt County land for data center plans #virginianews #virginia #datacenters #energy #botetourtcounty
cardinalnews.org/2025/06/24/g...
Google buys Botetourt County land for data center plans
The tech giant paid $14 million for 312 acres in a county industrial park and will contribute another $4 million toward community projects. It did not provide a timeline for the project or say how …
cardinalnews.org
June 25, 2025 at 12:55 PM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Botetourt County's Board of Supervisors just approved a $19.8 million budget adjustment, igniting a heated debate over the future of school funding and fiscal responsibility!

Click to read more!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #EducationFunding #BotetourtCountySchools
Board moves forward on FY27 appropriation, debates use of surplus for schools
The Board approved appropriation of adopted FY27 budget figures and a FY26 amendment package while supervisors publicly debated the use of surplus funds for school increases and revenue assumptions tied to future development.
citizenportal.ai
June 26, 2026 at 11:24 PM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
In a surprising turn of events, a proposed utility-scale solar project aimed at transforming farmland into a renewable energy site was denied due to serious concerns over erosion, decommissioning, and visibility.

Read the full story

#BotetourtCounty #VA #EnvironmentalSustainability
Board, planning commission deny One Energy utility‑scale solar proposal over farmland, decommissioning and visibility concerns
One Energy's proposed 20.7‑acre utility‑scale solar project (9.5 acres of panels, agrovotaics, pollinator habitat) was denied after the planning commission and board raised erosion risk, long‑term decommissioning adequacy, and visual/land‑use conflicts with county policy.
citizenportal.ai
June 26, 2026 at 11:22 PM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Botetourt County residents are raising their voices against county leadership, demanding transparency on controversial projects like the Google data center and industrial solar farms.

Click to read more!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #RuralDevelopment
Residents assail Laro reappointment and press board for transparency on Google, solar projects
Multiple residents used the board's public‑comment period to oppose reappointing county administrator Gary Laro to regional posts and to demand more transparency on the Google data‑center project, industrial solar farms and associated water and traffic impacts.
citizenportal.ai
June 26, 2026 at 11:20 PM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Botetourt County's Board of Supervisors has officially adopted a controversial FY27 budget, sparking intense debate over a $2.8 million increase for local schools.

Click to read more!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #EducationFunding #BudgetTransparency
Botetourt County supervisors adopt FY27 budget after debate over $2.8 million school increase
The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt the FY27 general budget at a called meeting after members debated a proposed $2.8 million operating increase for schools and the use of a one-time health-fund transfer to pay for part of it.
citizenportal.ai
June 17, 2026 at 5:12 AM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Botetourt County supervisors have hit the pause button on the FY27 budget, demanding clarity on school finances before making any commitments—what's at stake?

Click to read more!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #EducationFunding #FiscalTransparency
Botetourt supervisors delay FY27 appropriation pending auditor review; adopt 2026 tax rate and approve several land‑use actions
Facing questions about school finances, the board voted to table final FY27 appropriations until a June 11 auditor review while adopting the 2026 tax rate and approving zoning, easement and lease items including a narrow rural rezoning, a Popeye's pedestrian easement, a Reed Mountain tower lease and a special events venue.
citizenportal.ai
June 1, 2026 at 7:42 PM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Residents are raising their voices against Google's proposed data center, citing fears of noise pollution and demand for transparency that could reshape their rural community.

Click to read more!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalImpact #TransparencyIssues
Residents press Botetourt supervisors on Google data center at packed meeting; county schedules community fair
Dozens of residents urged the board to halt or more tightly regulate Google's proposed data center, citing noise, water use, transparency and NDAs; the board announced a community information fair for mid‑June and multiple residents demanded auditor review and fuller public disclosure.
citizenportal.ai
June 1, 2026 at 7:10 PM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
In a heated budget hearing, Botetourt County residents passionately debated the urgent need for a $2.8 million increase in school funding versus the call for fiscal restraint and a truly balanced budget.

Get the details!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CommunityTransparency #CitizenPortal
Residents, students and teachers urge Botetourt supervisors to approve $2.8 million school increase as others press for a balanced budget
At a Botetourt County FY27 budget public hearing, county staff outlined the advertised budget and one-time EDA grant revenue; public commenters largely split between urging a $2.8 million increase for schools and demanding fiscal restraint, balanced budgets and transparency. The board said it will consider adoption May 26.
citizenportal.ai
May 14, 2026 at 10:14 PM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Residents of Botetourt County are raising their voices against Project Raspberry, demanding transparency and a special meeting to address serious concerns about health, noise, and environmental impacts from the proposed Google data center.

Get the details!

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CitizenPortal
Residents urge pause on Project Raspberry (Google data center), demand analyses and public meeting
Dozens of Botetourt County residents told the board they oppose the proposed Project Raspberry/Google data center, raising concerns about noise, water usage, health impacts, property values, and transparency; petitioners demanded a 6:00 p.m. special meeting and detailed cash‑flow and utility impact analyses.
citizenportal.ai
April 2, 2026 at 2:25 AM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
The Botetourt County Board just approved a staggering $22.45 million in budget amendments, unlocking funds for crucial projects like the Reed Mountain Fire and Dispatch Center and public-safety radio upgrades.

Learn more here

#BotetourtCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EducationFunding
Board approves $22.45 million in budget amendments; authorizes $6.28 million in vendor payments for Reed Mountain and radio project
The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors approved $22,454,922 in budget amendments and authorized large vendor disbursements, including $882,002.98 to MB Contractors and $5,398,584.30 to Motorola tied to the Reed Mountain Fire & Dispatch Center and the public‑safety radio project. Staff will execute grant agreements following county‑attorney review.
citizenportal.ai
April 2, 2026 at 2:23 AM