Fredericksburg Data Center Debate Heats Up: Concerns Grow Over Transparency and Environmental Impact

The ongoing debate over the construction of data centers in Fredericksburg took center stage during the City Council meeting on January 28, 2025, with residents and council members expressing mounting concerns about the potential environmental consequences and the lack of transparency in the approval process.

At the heart of the controversy is the city’s aggressive timeline for approving zoning changes and facilitating the development of new data centers. Local residents have voiced their concerns about the environmental impact of such large-scale projects, particularly in areas close to residential neighborhoods and natural resources like the Rappahannock River. While proponents argue that data centers could bring significant economic benefits, critics worry that the city is rushing to approve projects without fully understanding or addressing the long-term consequences.

Transparency Concerns

Hamilton Palmer, a Fredericksburg resident, raised alarms about the transparency of the decision-making process. At the meeting, Palmer expressed frustration over the council’s handling of the issue, particularly regarding releasing information about the proposed data centers. “There has been little effort by the city to engage the public on data centers until this past year,” Palmer said, emphasizing that many residents are still unclear about the full scope of the projects and their potential impact on the community.

Palmer also requested access to digital data related to the city’s discussions with data center developers, including emails and other records. Council members, including Councilor Jason Graham (Ward 1), acknowledged that public input had been limited during the early stages of discussions but assured the community that the council was committed to addressing concerns moving forward. However, residents remain skeptical about whether their voices will be heard in time to influence decisions.

Environmental Impact and the Push for Fast Approval

One of the primary concerns former city councilman Matthew Kelly raised is the environmental impact of building data centers in areas not zoned for such heavy industrial use. Kelly pointed out that some proposed locations are near scenic areas and residential neighborhoods, which he believes could significantly alter the city’s character.

“There are many concerns about the location of these projects,” Kelly said, referencing potential zoning changes that would allow for data centers in industrial areas, but in close proximity to neighborhoods. Environmentalists have also voiced concerns over the loss of tree canopy and potential harm to local wildlife habitats as large-scale data centers are built.

Additionally, there are fears about the environmental sustainability of these projects. Critics argue that data centers, which require massive amounts of energy and water, could strain Fredericksburg’s resources, particularly in light of the city’s past commitment to achieving 100% clean energy by 2035. Residents are asking why the city is pushing forward with such projects when they may conflict with existing environmental goals.

The City’s Recent Approval of Data Center Plans

The Fredericksburg City Council took a significant step toward attracting data center development on Monday, January 14, by voting unanimously to initiate amendments to the city’s 2015 comprehensive plan, unified development ordinance (UDO), and zoning map. The proposed changes aim to establish a Technology Overlay District (TOD) that would designate roughly 250 acres in the city as a site for data centers and related uses near the Fredericksburg Nationals stadium.

Currently, the city does not have server farms like those sprouting up in surrounding jurisdictions, such as Stafford, Spotsylvania, Prince William, and King George counties. Unlike their neighbors, Fredericksburg has far fewer acres of land to devote to sprawling tech campuses.

“This is a critical opportunity for Fredericksburg to position itself as a competitive player in the tech industry,” said Mayor Kerry P. Devine. “By concentrating development in a single campus-like district, we can ensure infrastructure is used efficiently while minimizing environmental and community impacts.”

The proposed TOD would include strict guidelines for water cooling, noise levels, and environmental protection. Industrial cooling systems, for example, would be prohibited from using potable water permanently, with exceptions allowed temporarily during infrastructure transitions. Noise levels would be capped at 55 decibels at night and 60 during the day, with rigorous noise studies required for compliance.

Despite these safeguards, residents remain concerned that the development could lead to unintended consequences, particularly in relation to noise pollution, increased traffic, and strain on local resources. As the debate continues, residents are urging the council to slow down the approval process and allow for more public input.

The city’s Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the data center issue on February 12, 2025