Fredericksburg City Council Archives - Page 5 of 7

Published January 24, 2025 at 2:00PM

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.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg City Council Advances Plan to Create Data Center Technology District Amid Accelerated Timeline and Public Debate

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 21, 2025 at 10:56AM

Fredericksburg City Hall

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.

“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.”

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.

Fredericksburg

What’s On the Agenda? Fredericksburg City Council Meets January 14, 2025

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published January 14, 2025 at 6:00AM | Updated January 14, 2025 at 9:43AM

Fredericksburg 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.

Fredericksburg

Will Data Centers Change Fredericksburg Forever? City Invites Public Feedback

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 7, 2025 at 2:07PM

Fredericksburg City Hall

The Fredericksburg City Council has announced a series of public meetings and work sessions as it considers approving the city’s first data centers within a newly proposed Technology Overlay Zoning District (TOD). The meetings aim to gather public input and provide transparency as the city plans to encourage high-technology industrial development in Celebrate Virginia South, next to the Fredericksburg Nationals baseball stadium.

While the council is promoting data centers as an opportunity for economic growth, concerns from local activists and experts highlight potential challenges, including environmental and community impacts.

News

Ward 3 Fredericksburg City Council Seat Vacant, Applications Due by Jan. 15

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published January 2, 2025 at 9:30AM

Duffy takes the oath of office in 2018. [Photo: Fredericksburg City Goverment]

Residents of Ward 3 interested in serving for the remainder of the term, which ends December 31, 2025, are encouraged to apply by January 15, 2025.

The two step process involves submitting a Boards & Commissions Appointment Application online and emailing a resume. The Council will discuss the appointment further during its January 14, 2025, meeting and must select a replacement within 45 days of January 1, per the City Charter.

Fredericksburg

Traffic Engineers Propose Two-Way Streets and Bike Lanes to Slow Down Fredericksburg Drivers

By Mike Salmon

Published December 20, 2024 at 10:00AM

This meeting was at the new visitors center on Caroline Street. [Photo: Mike Salmon]

“We have gotten concerns about the speed,” said Thomas Ruff, a traffic engineer with Timmons Group, working with city officials to look at the one-way streets in neighborhoods right outside the business district.

The study intended to evaluate the feasibility and potential impacts of converting select one-way streets to two-way streets in a downtown area, as described in their description. Bike lanes, traffic calming measures intended to slow drivers, and proposed pedestrian improvements were part of the discussion.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Data Center Dilemma

By Potomac Local News

Published December 19, 2024 at 4:45PM

[powerpress]

In our latest episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, we tackle the complex and controversial topic of data centers and their growing presence in our region. Joining the conversation are two experts with unique perspectives: Bill Wright, a data center activist from Prince William County, and Dr. Eric Bonds, a professor at the University of Mary Washington and a concerned Fredericksburg resident.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg City Council Considers Aggressive Timeline for Data Center Ordinance

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 18, 2024 at 1:00PM

Fredericksburg City Hall

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.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Staff Present Draft Zoning Ordinance to Facilitate Data Center Development

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 13, 2024 at 5:03PM

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

(more…)

Fredericksburg

Dr. Tim Duffy Announces Resignation from Fredericksburg City Council

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 13, 2024 at 7:00AM

Duffy takes the oath of office in 2018. [Photo: Fredericksburg City Goverment]

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.”