Fredericksburg City Council Archives - Page 7 of 9

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.

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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.”

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Reveals Multi-Year Celebration Leading Up to City’s 300th Anniversary

By Uriah Kiser

Published December 9, 2024 at 10:00AM

Fredericksburg City Hall

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.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg City Council Moves Forward on Data Center Feasibility, Citing Economic and Employment Benefits

By Potomac Local News

Published November 13, 2024 at 3:04PM

Fredericksburg City Hall

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg City Council Advances Effort to Attract Data Centers Near Baseball Stadium

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 11, 2024 at 3:00PM

Flying over the Fredericksburg Nationals Virginia Credit Union Stadium.

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.