Kerry Devine
In an op-ed published by The FXBG Advance, Mayor Kerry Devine warned that rejecting the TOD could push Fredericksburg to the back of Dominion’s “rapidly expanding project list,” potentially delaying or preventing the city from securing the necessary power for a proposed data center campus.
Seeking clarification, Potomac Local News asked Dominion whether the City Council’s decision would have affected Fredericksburg’s place in the company’s project queue.
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.
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Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry P. Devine recently spoke with Potomac Local in a one-on-one interview, addressing the city’s response to a train derailment and the prospect of new data centers.
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Update July 23: City Council members will attend the CSX public statement on July 24. The event is at 3 p.m. in the gravel parking lot behind VRE Lots G and H. The entrance is at the corner of Prince Edward and Frederick Streets.
Mayor Kerry P. Devine addressed the recent train derailment behind Fredericksburg’s Cobblestone Square apartment complex, expressing concern for the community’s safety.
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.