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.
The city aims to classify data-center development in the area as by-right, meaning the city council would require no public hearing before a data center could be built. The vote intensified public discourse over data centers' potential economic benefits and environmental concerns.
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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.
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.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D) will visit the site of a recent train derailment in Fredericksburg on August 14, 2024. The visit will occur from 8 to 9 a.m. at the VRE parking lot, specifically at the gravel lot behind VRE parking lots G & H. The entrance to the lot is located at the corner of Prince Edward and Frederick Street. Spanberger will then travel to the Railway Yard Gate at 1400 Railroad Avenue. Members of the Fredericksburg City Council are expected to attend.
A CSX train derailed on July 19, 2024, near Cobblestone Drive. Several rail cars derailed, damaging a garage adjacent to the Cobblestone Square apartment complex. No hazardous materials were involved, and no injuries were reported.
During a press conference, CSX representatives stated that the train crew’s whereabouts during the derailment were unknown. The train engine had been experiencing issues before the derailment, prompting the crew to park the Richmond-bound train next to Cobblestone Square. The crew’s failure to ensure that the train was securely parked is being scrutinized.
Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine expressed the concerns of Cobblestone Square residents, who are frustrated and nervous. Devine noted that while residents seek answers, quickly removing the derailed cars was a positive outcome. In a letter sent by City Manager Timothy Baroody to CSX, the city sought assurances that a similar incident would not occur.
The derailment has sparked discussions about its potential impact on future rail projects in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation is working on expanding the state’s passenger rail network, with plans to purchase the Norfolk-Southern railroad’s B-line, which runs through Manassas. Mayor Devine acknowledged that the incident might prompt further discussions about the state acquiring additional track segments.
In addition, the Fredericksburg Metropolitan Area Planning Organization is educating residents about a significant project to expand rail capacity in Fredericksburg and Stafford County by adding a third railroad track. The project includes replacing several bridges, such as the Leeland Road Bridge, to accommodate the new track. This expansion will affect local traffic.
Ian Ollis, director of the Fredericksburg Metropolitan Area Planning Organization, explained that the project aims to replace a bridge over the rail line to accommodate the third track, which will extend from Union Station in Washington, D.C., down to the Fredericksburg region.
Fredericksburg Free Press: On Wednesday, a representative from CSX fielded questions from Fredericksburg city leaders and residents about the five-car train derailment that pierced a sound wall near the Cobblestone Apartments on Saturday night. Now, City Manager Tim Baroody is seeking more answers.
Friends of the Rappahannock and the Rappahannock Group of the Sierra Club will host an educational event on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, focusing on the data center’s impact on the community. The event will occur from 6 to 8 p.m. at 1201 Caroline Street in Fredericksburg.
The event will feature a one-hour presentation delivered by staff members from both organizations. Following the presentation, attendees can participate in a Q&A session to address any inquiries or concerns.
The session aims to provide insights into how data centers affect the local environment and community dynamics. It is open to all public members interested in learning more about this topic.
Regional Proliferation
The planned public meeting will take place after Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine requested city staff to study the feasibility of establishing data centers during a July 9 city council meeting. This proposal aims to explore the potential economic benefits and address concerns related to data center development.
The centers, built in campuses, most of which are multiple football fields in size and more than 70 feet tall, power the Internet. They use large amounts of electricity and water to cool the computer servers. They employ only a handful of people and are mostly stacked with computer servers.
In recent years, there has been a proliferation of data centers in surrounding counties like Prince William and, more recently, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties. Elected officials are drawn to the prospect of data centers in their communities because of the promise of higher tax revenues, with little or no public infrastructure investment. The centers don’t generate traffic due to the few people they employ.
For data center operators like Microsoft, money appears to be no object. They spent nearly half a billion dollars on 124 acres across from the popular outdoor music venue, Jiffy Lube Live. The purchase has multiple Prince William County leaders (where the concert venue sits) asking if the venue will eventually be razed to make way for a data center.
Mayor Devine’s Proposal
Devine introduced the idea of data centers in the city, highlighting the significant investment in neighboring regions’ data centers. “Data centers are all around us at this point,” said Devine. “About 20 million square feet is being planned in Stafford, Spotsy, Caroline, King George, all around us. Billions of dollars will be invested in those data centers in our region.”
Economic Benefits
The mayor noted that these investments could bring substantial economic benefits, including lower tax rates and increased economic development. “Millions of dollars flowing into those communities can significantly impact and lower their tax rates. It will add very much to their economic development prospects,” Devine added.
Water Usage Concerns
One of the key concerns mentioned was the water usage of data centers. Devine addressed this by pointing to Stafford’s recent developments using water reuse and recirculation processes, which mitigate water use concerns. “Many of us were able to see that some of the ones that we looked at were developed with water recirculation, which lowers the concern about water use if it’s recirculated water,” Devine explained.
Potential Site for Development
Devine proposed Celebrate Virginia South, near the Fredericksburg Nationals stadium and Rappahannock River, as a potential site for data center development, noting that it includes about 300 acres of economic development opportunities. “If with further study from staff and recommendations, if it gets to where we develop a data center, that could significantly add to the city’s revenue and potentially lower the residential tax burden over time,” she said.
Council Members’ Support
Several council members expressed support for the mayor’s request. Council member Timothy Duffy agreed, emphasizing the need to diversify revenue streams. “I think it’s incumbent on all of us to find ways to diversify our revenue streams and not rely so heavily on property taxes. So I’m all in favor of your request and support it,” Duffy said.
Council member Jonathan Gerlach echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’ve been advocating that we find other sources of revenue for the city to relieve the burden on our taxpayers. If there is a way to bring a data center to Celebrate South in an environmentally responsible manner, I would be all in favor of it.”
Vice Mayor Charlie Frye also voiced support, mentioning the importance of exploring revenue opportunities to fund city services. “If there’s another opportunity to bring some revenue to the city, I say we go for it,” Frye stated. He also suggested informing the public about the land requirements for data centers in future meetings.
Council member Will Mackintosh believes data centers will produce many jobs. “Data centers produce many fairly highly trained and well-paid jobs. I think we should not overlook data centers as a potential employment generator in our city,” Mackintosh said. He emphasized the importance of aligning city school programs with the skills needed for these jobs.
Mayor Devine concluded the discussion by stressing the preliminary nature of the study and the need for further staff research. “Again, this is looking at this very preliminary to ask staff to study it, and they’ll come back to us with a report,” she said.
The council unanimously approved the proposal, directing city staff to proceed with the study and report their findings.
Marine Corps Historic Half Returns
The Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024. The race will impact Central Park, Cowan Boulevard, Hospital Hill, and Historic Downtown. Road closures and traffic delays are expected from 3:00 a.m. to approximately 11:00 a.m.
General Property Re-Assessment
The City’s general property re-assessment is complete. New assessment values are effective July 1, 2024. Property owners can appeal their assessments. The City Council is considering adjusting the property tax rate from $0.89 to $0.78 per $100 valuation. The City Council will make a final decision on May 28, 2024.
Executive Plaza Construction
Construction of a new Visitor Center at the Executive Plaza is underway. The main entrance will be closed for several weeks. Visitors should use the Sophia Street entrance.
Primary Election Ballots
Mail-in ballots for the June 18 primary election are being sent. The after-hours drop box is unavailable due to construction. Voters should use the office drop box during regular hours.
City Council Approves FXBG Main Street Lease
The City Council approved a plan for Fredericksburg VA Main Street Inc. to co-locate with the Visitor Center on the first floor of the Executive Plaza. The new Visitor Center is expected to open by early fall.
Emergency Operations Center Funding
Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger presented a check for over $630,000 for renovations, security improvements, and equipment upgrades at the Emergency Operations Center.
Bicentennial Celebration of Lafayette’s Visit
The city is celebrating the bicentennial of Lafayette’s visit with lectures and events. A Lafayette Trail Marker dedication will occur on May 23, followed by a lecture at the Fredericksburg Branch of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library.
National Military Appreciation Month
A ceremony to recognize the 80th anniversary of D-Day will be held on June 6 at the Fallen Heroes Memorial.
Sheriff Scott Foster Recognition
Sheriff Scott Foster was recognized by the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute and the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association for earning his VSI Certification for continued professional development.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, with resources available for learning how to help those in crisis.
Concerts by Canoe and Catfish Nights
Concerts by Canoe will return to Motts Run Reservoir every Wednesday in May. Catfish Nights will also be held at Motts Run Reservoir for after-hours fishing.
Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair
A Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair will be held on June 1 at Fredericksburg Nationals Stadium. Recruiters from 11 agencies will participate.
Parks, Recreation, and Events Summer Catalog
The summer catalog for Parks, Recreation, and Events is now available. Registration is open online and in person at the Dorothy Hart Community Center.
