The Fredericksburg City Council held a work session on December 10 to discuss a proposed ordinance allowing the city to develop data centers.

The discussion focused on creating a data center overlay district, with the Celebrate Virginia South area next to Virginia Credit Union Stadium, home of the Fredericksburg Nationals, being the primary proposed location. The ordinance would establish zoning, performance standards, and environmental protections for the potential development.

The proposed overlay district encompasses approximately 250 acres, with a minimum campus size of 150 contiguous acres required for development. “We are looking at focusing on that Celebrate Virginia South area,” said Economic Development Director Josh Summits, who presented the proposal to the council. He described the overlay as a zoning concept to promote technology sector growth while maintaining compatibility with the city’s infrastructure and open space preservation goals.

Data centers have become commonplace in surrounding counties to the north, south, and west. The server farms that power the internet take up acres of land, consume large amounts of electricity to power the computer servers inside, and require massive amounts of water to cool the systems.

The server farms create few jobs but are said to generate significant tax revenues for localities.

Key Details of the Proposal

dThe ordinance includes several provisions to address environmental and community concerns:

• Noise Standards: Noise levels would be capped at 60 decibels during the day and 55 decibels at night, with emergency generator testing limited to daylight hours.
• Water Usage: Developers would be prohibited from using potable water for industrial cooling, except temporarily, until a reused water system is implemented.
• Building Design: Data centers would be limited to a maximum height of 90 feet, requiring design elements to break up large facades.
• Additionally, buildings must not be visible from the Rappahannock River.
• Setbacks and Landscaping**: The ordinance would require 150-foot setbacks from residential areas and 100-foot setbacks from commercial areas, along with landscaped buffers and preserved green space.

Aggressive Timeline

The timeline for approving the ordinance is notably fast-paced. The first joint work session with the Planning Commission is planned for January 14, 2025, with public hearings potentially concluding by late February.

“This is the most aggressive schedule that I’ve ever seen put to paper,” said one council member. They emphasized the importance of feedback: “If you all like what you’ve seen, please tell us. If you don’t, please tell us that, too.”

Another council member supported the schedule, describing it as “aggressive but necessary.” They added, “I’m okay with the timeline because I think it gives enough time for the public to get up to speed and give us their input.”

However, concerns were raised about how the timeline aligns with an ongoing feasibility study funded by the Economic Development Authority. Early results are expected in December, with the full report anticipated by late January. The study will compare the economic impact of data centers to other development options, such as mixed-use housing.

The timeline reflects a push by the landowner of the Celebrate Virginia South parcels, who appears to be motivated to move forward with the project swiftly. The city council did not name the landowner.

Questions About Campus Design

Council members also sought clarification on the design and scope of the proposed data center campuses. A campus would require a minimum of 150 contiguous acres, but the overlay district includes 250 acres outside protected open space.

“Can you describe what defines a campus? And what happens to the additional acreage that might not be needed?” asked one council member. Summits explained that clustering data centers would allow developers to share infrastructure costs while maximizing scalability. “It’s about scale and clustering,” he said.

Public Engagement Emphasized

Council members and city staff highlighted the importance of public input. The City Council and Planning Commission will work closely during joint sessions in January to ensure the public remains informed. The JLARC (Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission) report on data centers will also be made available on the city’s website to provide additional context.

The City Council is expected to revisit the topic in January, with further discussions scheduled alongside the Planning Commission. Public hearings are planned for February to allow residents to weigh in on the proposal.

The council’s decision will play a significant role in shaping Fredericksburg’s economic and environmental landscape, as data centers bring the potential for increased tax revenue but also raise concerns about land use, infrastructure, and environmental impacts.

Fredericksburg City staff this week presented an overview of a draft zoning ordinance that would provide for by right data center development.

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During a city council meeting on December 10, 2024, Council Member Dr. Tim Duffy announced his resignation, citing personal and family health challenges. His decision will take effect on January 1, 2025.

In a statement, Dr. Duffy shared that recent developments within his family and his ongoing battle with prostate cancer, initially treated in 2019, prompted him to reprioritize his commitments. “My family needs me, and I need them,” Dr. Duffy stated, visibly moved as he addressed his colleagues and the public.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Duffy expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and collaborate with fellow council members and city staff. “This body means so much to me and this city. It has been an amazing experience,” he said. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic about his decision, calling himself “the luckiest person you will ever meet.”

Duffy was first elected to the City Council in 2014 and reelected in 2021 by a narrow margin of just over one percentage point, defeating independent Rene Alfonzo Rodriguez. A longtime resident of Fredericksburg, Duffy moved to the city in 1981 to attend Mary Washington College, where he met his wife, Karen. Together, they raised their two children, Caitlin and Ian, in the College Heights neighborhood, where they have lived since 1995.

Duffy earned his Master’s and Ph.D. in American History at the University of Virginia, where he served as a Governor’s Fellow and Teaching Assistant. After earning his doctorate, he embarked on a teaching career that included ten years in the History Department at Mary Washington College. He later taught full-time at Fredericksburg Academy and was promoted to Head of the Upper School. In 2007, he joined Fredericksburg City Public Schools, where he has held various leadership positions and earned numerous teaching awards. He currently works in the Math Department at Walker-Grant Middle School in Fredericksburg.

Duffy has been a community volunteer, serving as chair and member of the Parks and Recreation Commission and volunteering with the Sunshine Foundation, Tree Fredericksburg, Oral History Project, and Habitat for Humanity. On the City Council, he has represented Fredericksburg on several boards and commissions, including the Board of Social Services, Fredericksburg Clean and Green Commission, Parking Advisory Committee, and Regional Group Home Commission.

Mayor Kerry Devine and Vice Mayor Charlie Frye commended Duffy for his dedication and resilience. Devine reminisced about their shared history and praised his contributions, while Vice Mayor Frye recounted how Dr. Duffy’s commitment inspired him during his challenges. “You helped me balance some things I had going on,” Frye said. “Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

The council plans to announce a process for filling the vacant Ward 3 seat, which will be advertised on the city’s website in the coming weeks.

Duffy reassured the community of his continued support: “The Duffys will carry on, as will you. I won’t be a stranger.”

The Fredericksburg City Council has outlined an ambitious three-year celebration that will start with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026 and culminate with the city’s 300th anniversary two years later.

The plans, unveiled during the November 26 work session, will spotlight the nation’s founding, Revolutionary War heritage, and Fredericksburg’s integral role in American history.

The commemorations will begin in 2025 and continue through 2027, culminating in 2028 with Fredericksburg’s 300th anniversary. The initiative features annual themes, engaging public events, and collaborations with local organizations to honor the city’s past while fostering community participation.

“This commemoration leads us right into the 300th commemoration for the City of Fredericksburg. So it’s kind of opening the door for us for the big party that we’re expecting to have in 2028,” said Fredericksburg Area Museum Director Sam McKelvey during the work session.

Planned Events

Each year will feature three signature events:

• Fourth of July Celebrations: Festivities will include fireworks, music, and historical reenactments, focusing on the nation’s
  independence.
• Academic Symposiums: Educational gatherings will delve into Fredericksburg’s historical significance, featuring experts and
  interactive exhibits.
• Cultural Celebrations: Public events will highlight local traditions and incorporate existing festivals with a commemorative focus.

Additional programming will be developed through partnerships with cultural and educational organizations, including libraries, museums, and historical societies.

The celebration is spearheaded by a diverse steering committee featuring representatives from organizations such as the Washington Heritage Foundation, Mary Washington Museums, Fredericksburg Area Museum, the Potomac Tribal Museum, the George Washington Foundation, and the National Park Service.

Public feedback sessions will begin in spring 2025, ensuring residents have a voice in shaping the celebrations. Plans for the events will continue to evolve, with updates expected early next year. Organizers are also exploring sponsorship and grant opportunities to support the initiative.

Fredericksburg was established as a town in 1728 by an act of the Virginia General Assembly. It was named after Frederick, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of King George II of Great Britain. The city played a significant role in early American history and is known for its historic downtown and proximity to important Civil War battlefields.

On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Fredericksburg City Council approved a resolution to continue exploring data center development, particularly in the Celebrate Virginia South area.

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Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Fredericksburg City Council is set to vote on a resolution that supports the continued exploration and attraction of data centers to the city, mainly targeting the Celebrate Virginia South area near the Fredericksburg Nationals baseball stadium. This decision follows recent adjustments in Fredericksburg’s tax policies, which align the city’s computer and peripheral tax rates with those in surrounding Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, part of Planning District 16.

According to city documents, efforts to lure data centers to Fredericksburg have been in the works for over a decade. In 2018, the council began publicly discussing the possibility of voting on amendments to the city code to designate data centers as a by-right use in specific zoning areas. Last month, the council unanimously agreed to a reduced tax rate of $1.25 per $100 of assessed value on all computer and peripheral equipment used in data centers, a move mirrored by other surrounding localities.

Economic Potential and Environmental Safeguards

According to the new resolution, data center development is expected to bring substantial economic benefits. Council member Will Macintosh, during the October 22, 2024, council meeting, highlighted these benefits, stating, “With projected new tax revenues of up to $100 million annually at full buildout, data centers offer a unique opportunity to fund essential public services, reduce real estate taxes, and support citywide initiatives in Fredericksburg.”

The resolution specifies that new data centers would collectively cover no more than 2% of Fredericksburg’s total land area, equivalent to about 5 million square feet. At this capacity, the economic impact could allow the city to reduce the real estate property rate, support recruitment and retention efforts for public safety personnel and teachers, and fund significant capital projects, such as Fire Station #3 and future school construction.

Sustainability and Environmental Standards

The council underscored its commitment to environmentally sustainable development in response to community concerns. Measures include using reclaimed “purple pipe” water for non-potable needs, on-site renewable energy generation, advanced sound mitigation technology, and state-of-the-art stormwater management to protect the nearby Rappahannock River. Council member Dr. Macintosh noted that while data center development is essential for economic growth, “it is critical that such growth reflects our values of environmental stewardship and sustainability.”

Vice Mayor Charlie Frye also mentioned during the October 22 meeting that alternative technologies, such as natural gas-driven microgrids, could reduce data centers’ environmental impact. “The Virginia Municipal League shared emerging data center technologies that could lessen the environmental footprint,” said Frye. “It’s an exciting time to explore these options, which align with our city’s climate goals.”

Looking Ahead

Suppose the resolution is passed on November 12. In that case, Fredericksburg staff will continue their due diligence, working with potential developers and aligning zoning ordinances to provide further clarity for future data center projects. City documents state that the council’s study will also focus on identifying developers with renewable energy commitments that match Fredericksburg’s sustainability targets.

With the region poised for growth in the data center sector, Fredericksburg aims to stay competitive while balancing economic benefits with environmental responsibility. “Fredericksburg is committed to fostering sustainable, thoughtful growth that aligns with our community’s priorities and positions our city for a prosperous future,” said city mayor Kerry Devine.

Fredericksburg City Council has taken a pivotal step toward enhancing its green spaces by including an urban tree canopy expansion initiative in its legislative agenda. The move, discussed during the council’s October 22 meeting, has earned appreciation from local environmental advocates, including Friends of the Rappahannock, a group dedicated to preserving the region’s natural resources.

Brent Hunsinger, a representative for the organization, spoke on the importance of expanding tree cover in urban areas, stating, “Thank you very much for working with the city on this issue…we feel that this is a very important step so that our lawmakers in Richmond can see that localities care about this as well, not just organizations such as Friends of the Rappahannock, as we work towards expanding that authority potentially down the road to try preserve and expand that urban tree canopy.”

Urban tree canopy initiatives provide numerous benefits, including improved air quality, reduced heat, and enhanced community well-being. These projects are increasingly recognized as essential for building climate resilience in cities, where trees help mitigate the effects of urban heat and contribute to carbon sequestration. With the legislative session approaching in January, Fredericksburg’s request for increased authority to preserve and grow its tree canopy reflects a broader commitment to environmental sustainability.

Mayor Kerry Devine underscored this commitment, pointing to the community’s growing focus on quality-of-life improvements. “We often hear about issues like vehicle noise, and this agenda item is another reminder that our community prioritizes quality of life,” she said. “Expanding green spaces and preserving our urban canopy will have lasting benefits for Fredericksburg residents.”

Councilor Jason Graham echoed these sentiments, highlighting Fredericksburg’s goals for sustainable growth. “We hear the concerns about [environmental impacts]… It remains critically important that we are committed to growing in an environmentally sustainable way,” Graham remarked.

As Fredericksburg continues to partner with local environmental groups and advocates for legislative support, the council’s efforts may set a precedent for other Virginia localities to follow. Enhanced legislative authority would enable Fredericksburg to implement even more effective strategies for protecting and expanding urban green spaces in the face of ongoing development.

The Fredericksburg City Council recently heard an update on the ongoing Community Health Assessment from Rappahannock Area Health District Director Dr. Oleg Benga Obasanyo.

Obasanyo’s presentation focused on the progress made since the last health assessment and the priorities identified for improving the well-being of the Fredericksburg community and surrounding areas. The three main priorities—mental health, affordable housing, and access to healthcare—remain focal points for improvement.

Mental Health

Mental health remains a critical issue for the Fredericksburg community. Obasanyo emphasized the growing need for mental health services and the community’s commitment to addressing this issue through ongoing programs and partnerships. Mental Health America has taken the lead in spearheading mental health initiatives, providing valuable resources, and conducting training sessions. The Council has consistently supported these efforts, understanding the importance of mental health for overall community well-being.

Affordable Housing

Affordable housing is another priority identified through the health assessment process. A major development in this area is the annual Housing Summit, which occurred today. The summit serves as a platform for local leaders, community organizations, and stakeholders to address housing challenges and develop actionable plans to improve access to affordable housing in Fredericksburg and the broader Planning District 16.

Obasanyo mentioned that this summit is an outcome of the discussions initiated by the health assessment process and is vital for creating sustainable housing solutions for the community.

Access to Healthcare

Access to healthcare continues to be a concern, particularly for underserved populations. One key initiative from the health assessment is establishing a Doula training program at Germanna Community College. The program was created in response to maternal health disparities in the area to increase the number of trained doulas available to support expecting mothers.

Obasanyo noted that the first class of doulas graduated recently, with some trainees already working within the community, helping to improve maternal health outcomes. The program also aims to set up a doula collective further to integrate these professionals into the local healthcare system.

Future Steps and Community Involvement

Obasanyo outlined the next phases of the health assessment process, including conducting focus groups and gathering more data through community surveys. The Health Department seeks input from various demographic groups to ensure that the collected data reflects the community’s diverse needs. The results of these assessments will help guide future health improvement efforts.

The Council expressed gratitude for Dr. Obasanyo’s work. It encouraged the public to participate in the ongoing health surveys, which are crucial for shaping the next phase of the Community Health Improvement Plan. Public involvement will ensure that Fredericksburg’s health initiatives continue to address the community’s most pressing issues, including mental health, housing, and healthcare access.

At the Fredericksburg City Council meeting on October 22, 2024, residents of the Mayfield community voiced growing concerns over safety and environmental risks linked to CSX railroad operations in their area.

Representing the NAACP’s Environmental and Climate Justice Committee, Sabrina Johnson highlighted the relocation of a critical safety device, known as a derail device, near the Mayfield neighborhood. The device had been involved in a recent derailment in Cobblestone Square on July 19, 2024.

Johnson commended the city’s past efforts, particularly its collaboration on the Pipeline Safety Awareness Project, but emphasized that more needs to be done. She specifically called for CSX to provide detailed reports on risk mitigation and ensure that hazardous materials stored in the area are handled with heightened care. “We need clear assurances from CSX that they are prioritizing the safety of our community,” she stated.

The Mayfield neighborhood, bordered by industrial railroad tracks, has long-standing concerns over the dangers posed by CSX operations, particularly the storage of tanker cars carrying hazardous materials. Johnson’s remarks underscored the community’s ongoing fear of a potential catastrophe resulting from CSX’s proximity to its homes.

Vice Mayor Charlie Fry has also advocated for an end to the storage of hazardous tanker cars in the area, reinforcing the city’s commitment to addressing the safety concerns of Mayfield residents. Johnson’s appeal echoes these efforts, urging the City Council to push for greater transparency and accountability from CSX.

On July 19, a train near Fredericksburg’s downtown station—used by Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE)—struck a sound wall, causing significant damage. However, the train’s chemical-carrying cars remained intact at the rear, avoiding a more significant disaster.

In February 2021, Fredericksburg City Council passed Resolution 21-14, objecting to storing rail tanker cars with hazardous materials within city limits and demanding that CSX halt the practice. While this initially curbed the issue, Johnson pointed out that the practice has quietly resumed, sparking frustration among residents and city officials alike.