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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The University of Mary Washington (UMW) has reopened Goolrick Pool for the spring 2025 semester following a six-month, $1.5 million renovation. The upgraded facility, which first opened in 1969, now boasts modern features designed to enhance functionality and extend the life of the historic pool.
The reopening came just in time for the Eagles’ first home varsity swim meet of the season on Saturday, Jan. 18, which was also Senior Day.
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With the swearing-in of Donald Trump as America’s 47th President on Monday, considering the new administration, we asked some of the Fredericksburg area’s elected representatives about their visions for 2025.
Senator Mark Warner (D) said:
“I’ve been proud to be a member of many bipartisan gangs during my time in the Senate. In fact, it’s through bipartisan work that we managed to tackle COVID-19, fund our national parks, bring back American manufacturing, fuel investment in underserved communities, and so much more. It’s my priority to ensure that this bipartisan work continues – even under a Trump administration. As we dive deeper into the 119th Congress, I’m looking forward to defending and building on the progress we made under President Biden. To do that, I’ll continue to work with anyone who has a good idea, regardless of party affiliation.”
Senator Tim Kaine (D) released a statement online on January 3:
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to serve Virginians for another six years. I’m proud of what we’ve done so far to lower health care costs, rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, protect our national security, and grow our economy by bringing new investments to Virginia. I look forward to building on this progress together. I know that for many Virginians, the new Administration brings uncertainty and even fear, but I will always fight to build a brighter future for all Americans—no matter who you are, who you love, what you look like, how you worship, or what your economic status is. I’m excited to continue traveling across the Commonwealth and working together to strengthen our economy by lowering costs, expanding access to job training programs, and making it easier for families to access affordable child care. I will also keep seeking common ground to support Virginia’s servicemembers and meet our defense needs, and make progress on commonsense immigration reform, gun safety legislation, and more.”
Congressman Eugene Vindman (D) released a Jan. 2 statement in which he said:
““I am honored and humbled to officially begin serving the people of Virginia’s Seventh District in the U.S. House of Representatives. In Congress, I will fight to keep the promise of America alive for everyone across the Commonwealth and our country……
I want every working American like my Dad to have the chance to live their American Dream, and I will fight everyday for families and workers chasing the Dream. That work starts by working across the aisle to lower costs, improve public education, and protect our most basic rights and freedoms.
I am optimistic that my colleagues and I will find bipartisan solutions by listening to constituent concerns, responding with pragmatic legislation, and delivering real results for communities across the Seventh District and the nation…”
Delegate Joshua Cole (D) said:
“As we prepare to start 2025, my focus and vision, specifically for the 65th District and the greater Fredericksburg area, is to make sure we prioritize our working families and the families most vulnerable among us. Ensuring well-paying jobs are coming to the region, access to affordable housing, and boosting our local schools.”
This winter, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is rockin’ with the sounds of Elvis Presley as the high-energy bio-musical Heartbreak Hotel takes the stage.
Created by the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet, the production delves into the life of the King of Rock and Roll, exploring his rise to stardom and the challenges that shaped his iconic legacy.
Featuring over 40 of Elvis’ greatest hits, including “That’s All Right,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” the show blends electrifying performances with storytelling that gives audiences a closer look at the man behind the music. Heartbreak Hotel presents Elvis at pivotal moments in his life, guided by his younger self, in a journey that reveals the struggles and triumphs that made him a legend.
Actors Step Into the King’s Blue Suede Shoes
In a recent interview, Elliot Litherland, who portrays the older Elvis Presley, and Luke Purcell, playing teen Elvis, opened up about their unique experiences bringing the King of Rock and Roll to life on the Riverside Center stage.
“For me, playing Elvis is both an honor and a challenge,” said Litherland, who is no stranger to the role, having performed as Elvis in two previous productions. “Elvis’ music speaks for itself, but our goal is to show the human side of this icon. The show brings out both the joy and the tragedy of Elvis’ life, and we hope audiences leave with a deeper understanding of who he was.”
Luke Purcell, a 15-year-old high school student from Louisa County, shared how his lifelong admiration for Elvis brought him to the production. “Elvis has always been a big part of my life, but it wasn’t until I saw the 2022 biopic Elvis that I truly fell in love with his music and story,” said Purcell. “When I heard Riverside was putting on Heartbreak Hotel, I knew I had to audition. It’s been my dream to play Elvis, and doing so alongside such a talented cast is a dream come true.”
Litherland was quick to praise his younger counterpart, revealing how Purcell’s audition impressed the production team so much that they created a special role for him. “Luke is only 15, but his talent is incredible. He knocked everyone’s socks off during auditions. It’s amazing to see someone so young bring such depth and energy to this role,” said Litherland. “Honestly, when Luke leaves the stage, audiences can take or leave me. He’s the real star.”
The pair also discussed the challenges of portraying a figure as iconic as Elvis Presley. “It’s always nerve-wracking to step on stage as Elvis because everyone has their own vision of who he was,” said Purcell. “For me, it’s important to avoid being a caricature. Elvis was a real person with incredible talent and struggles, and I want to honor that.”
Litherland echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of balance in their performances. “What sets Heartbreak Hotel apart is its focus on storytelling. It’s not just a concert of Elvis’ hits—it’s a deep dive into his life, the highs and lows, and the humanity behind the legend,” he explained. “The show also touches on the struggles Elvis faced, from the pressures of fame to his relationships with those around him.”
Both actors credited the Riverside production team for creating a supportive and collaborative environment. “This cast feels like a family,” said Purcell. “Everyone, from the directors to the musicians, has been amazing to work with. It makes all the difference when you’re telling such a powerful story.”
The actors also reflected on the broader impact of Elvis’ music and legacy. “There’s a reason his music still resonates today,” said Litherland. “Even for those of us too young to have lived during his heyday, his influence is undeniable. It’s an honor to carry that torch, even if just for a little while.”
Performances and Ticket Information
Heartbreak Hotel runs at the Riverside Center through March 2, 2025, offering audiences a vibrant blend of live music, dance, and storytelling. The schedule includes matinees and evening performances to suit every schedule.
- Wednesday Matinees:
Meal Service: 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Show-Only Arrival: 12:45 PM
Performance Start: 1:30 PM - Thursday – Saturday Evenings:
Meal Service: 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM
Show-Only Arrival: 6:45 PM
Performance Start: 7:30 PM - Sunday Matinees:
Meal Service: 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Show-Only Arrival: 2:15 PM
Performance Start: 3:00 PM
Ticket Prices:
- Dinner & Show: Adults $82, Seniors $77, Children $70
- Show Only: Adults $65, Seniors $60, Children $55
- Military Discount: $77 (limit 4 tickets)
- RUSH Tickets: $35 (same-day purchase, limited availability)
Fredericksburg Free Press – “As approximately 40 marchers walked from the Bragg Hill Family Life Center in Fredericksburg to the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge on Fall Hill Avenue, they carried a variety of signs delivering a unified message.
Spotsylvania NAACP member Carl Pollard recites a portion of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. (Photos by Taft Coghill Jr.)
“Protect voting rights,” “More housing we can afford,” “Reform juvenile justice,” “Expand Medicare, Medicaid, “Strengthen gun safety” and “Support Public Schools,” were included among the crowd’s demands.
Nicole Cole, who represents the Battlefield District on the Spotsylvania County School Board, was the first to speak during the Spotsylvania NAACP’s “Conversation on the Bridge” in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. “
Join Fredericksburg’s premier improv team for a night of spontaneous comedy and audience participation games, culminating in a unique one-act play crafted with your input.
Event Details:
– Dates: Friday, January 17, 2025 – Saturday, January 18, 2025
– Time: 8 PM
– Location: Stage Door Productions, 810 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
– Tickets: $15
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the event website.
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Dr. Janet Gullickson, the first female president of Germanna Community College, will retire in July 2025 after eight years of leadership.
During her tenure, Gullickson oversaw significant enrollment growth, national recognition by the Aspen Institute, and the distinction of being the first college to host Amazon Web Services' mobile classroom. She also spearheaded work-based learning initiatives, including paid internships, to enhance student career readiness.
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FXBG Advance: The public was first made aware of the possibility of data centers in Celebrate VA when Mayor Devine added the topic to the July 9, 2024 Council agenda, giving the public no prior notice that the topic was to be discussed. Well before that announcement, council members had toured data centers in February, two at a time, to avoid public notice.
Also, prior to the July 9th meeting the City Manager initiated discussion with a developer to provide land for data centers.
In September the City Council supported the expenditure of $200,000 to study the infrastructure needs to provide power for data centers in Celebrate VA. A cost that should not be the responsibility of the city but by either Dominion Power or the developer. When questioned about this City Manager Tim Baroody confirmed it was not the city’s responsibility but explained that it was being done at the direction of the City Council.
The Fredericksburg City Council will meet on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The council’s work session begins at 5 p.m., and their regular session begins at 7:30 p.m.
The regular meeting will be streamed live, and the agendas for both meetings has been posted online.
During the 5 p.m. work session, the council will hold a planning commission interview and then discuss the proposed technology district overlay with the planning commission. City staff presented plans for a 250-acre technology district at a December 10, 2024 council meeting. The district will be located in Celebrate Virginia South, parallel to the Rappahannock River.
After two public meetings in October, the council voted on October 23 to amend the city code in order to allow data centers within most commercial zoning districts in the city. The purpose of the district is to promote the development of data centers in areas where new or existing infrastructure could support the centers.
The noise limit for the data centers would be 60 decibels (dB) during the day and 50 dB at night; a graphic in the city’s presentation compares 60 dB to human conversation and 50 dB to the sound of a home refrigerator.
The district also will require that no buildings be visible from the Rappahannock River frontage throughout all four seasons.
The council has acknowledged its timeline for pursuing data centers is aggressive. Mayor Kerry Devine first proposed data centers in a July 2024 council meeting, and the council aims to have a final vote on the Technology Overlay District in February 2025.
In the 7:30 regular meeting, public comment will be allowed. Comments may be submitted by mail or e-mail four hours before the start of the meeting, or speakers may attend the meeting in person. The council plans to read submitted comments aloud during the meeting, and public speakers will be allowed five minutes.
The council will also consider a proposal to remove its Railroad Station Overlay District (RSO) zoning from areas surrounding the downtown train rail. The RSO was created in 1991 and modified in 2010, 2012, and 2013. The changes were intended to help fill vacant lots and smooth the transition from commercial to residential areas. The proposal notes little infill has occurred and suggests the presence of vacant lots is an unpleasant view for train riders.
At a December 11, 2024 meeting, 21 residents expressed concerns about removing the RSO, while four people spoke in favor.
