Correction: This new data center is near Unity Reed High School, near Manassas. An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported Patriot High School.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved a 24-acre rezoning for a new data center development along Wellington Road, despite opposition from Supervisor Bob Weir and concerns about its proximity to Unity Reed High School.
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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
Once thought to be on its way out, Dominion Energy’s Possum Point Power Station near Dumfries is now expanding operations to meet rising data center power demands, Insidenova.com reports.
The 75-year-old facility currently burns natural gas and diesel fuel, generating around 660 megawatts of energy, which powers about 170,000 homes.
The Virginia House of Delegates Subcommittee of the Cities, Counties, and Towns Committee rejected a bill that sought to regulate the siting of data centers near schools, parks, and residential areas. Delegate Ian Lovejoy (R-22, Prince William County) presented HB1984, which would have required local government approval for data center developments only if they were located at least a quarter mile away from such properties. The subcommittee voted 8-0 to “lay the bill on the table,” effectively killing it.
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A majority of the residents who spoke during Wednesday’s public input session about Fredericksburg’s proposed Technology Overlay District acknowledged or even supported the city’s pursuit of data centers, reports the Fredericksburg Free Press.
Rather, it’s the terms and timetable governing said pursuit that comprised most of their questions asked during a joint meeting of the Planning Commission and City Council.
More than one speaker noted that adjacent jurisdictions, such as Stafford County, have taken up to six months from initiating the public process to voting for a data center. By contrast, Fredericksburg’s city council first discussed a Technology Overlay District in detail on Dec. 10 and could vote on related resolutions and ordinances as early as its Feb. 25 meeting.
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, the city has far fewer acres of land to devote to the sprawling tech campuses.
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Prince William Times – “Landowners who want to sell their properties for the Prince William Digital Gateway data center development and are suing Prince William County over their higher real estate tax bills were recently dealt a blow in court when a judge ruled against their case.
But they might have a Plan B, thanks to a bill sponsored by state Sen. Jeremy McPike.”
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will convene on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge for a packed agenda that includes significant decisions on land development and state legislation. The meeting is open to the public.
Woodbridge Land Development
Supervisors are expected to approve $250,000 to hire consultants to determine the best use for 21.85 acres of land in Woodbridge, previously considered for an indoor sports and recreation center. The funding from the Economic Development Opportunity Fund will support planning for a vibrant mixed-use community hub. The land is part of a larger 70-acre property targeted for an indoor sports venue, focusing on creating live-work-play environments and generating tax revenue.
Legislative Review
In a first-of-its-kind move, the Board will spend considerable time mulling over nearly 40 bills currently before the Virginia General Assembly. These bills address a wide range of topics, including:
- Clean Energy: HB 36 proposes studying barriers to clean energy purchases by local governments.
- Transportation and Safety: HB 462 calls for expanded tractor-trailer parking along major corridors, and HB 2041 focuses on speed safety camera placements.
- Data Centers: Multiple bills, including HB 1601, SB 899, and HB 2026, address issues like energy use, noise abatement, and proximity to parks and schools.
- Affordable Housing: HB 1701 and SB 2603 propose incentives and zoning changes to expand housing opportunities.
- Environmental Initiatives: HB 2050 introduces a program to reduce PFAS in the Occoquan Reservoir, while SB 839 focuses on by-right multifamily development in commercial zones.
The Board’s deliberations aim to ensure that local perspectives are represented in state policymaking, reflecting priorities such as economic growth, environmental preservation, and community safety.
Stay tuned to Potomac Local News for updates on the outcomes of this meeting.
Insidenova.com: A bipartisan coalition of Virginia lawmakers on Tuesday presented a series of bills aimed at addressing the rapid expansion of data centers, which have become a cornerstone of the state’s economy but have raised concerns about energy use, environmental impact, and equitable cost distribution.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin highlighted the industry’s importance during his State of the Commonwealth address Monday, noting that “data centers alone support 74,000 jobs, bring in $9.1 billion in Virginia GDP, and generate billions in local revenue.” He called for Virginia to remain “the data center capital of the world” while ensuring state support for the industry.
However, lawmakers from both parties have emphasized the need for oversight to ensure the industry’s growth is managed responsibly.
