Spotsylvania Residents Criticize Logistics of Data Center Community Meetings
Spotsylvania County residents expressed strong dissatisfaction with the logistics of recent community meetings for the Crossroads Tech Campus and Pairmont Data Center Campus, citing overcrowding, poor organization, and lack of clear information. Residents urged the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors to ensure developers host more transparent and accessible meetings in the future. The Board acknowledged the issues and committed to improving future meeting coordination with developers.
Spotsylvania, VA - Residents in Spotsylvania County voiced significant frustrations at a recent Board of Supervisors meeting regarding the poorly organized community meetings for two proposed data center developments: the Crossroads Tech Campus and the Pairmont Data Center Campus. Attendees of the Crossroads Tech gathering, hosted by developer RCK Digital Crossroads, described it as an "embarrassing mess," citing inadequate parking, long lines, and an overcrowded, noisy venue at the Lee Hill Community Center. Residents reported difficulty in obtaining clear information from developers due to the chaotic environment.
Lisa Amer, a county resident, appealed to the Board of Supervisors, requesting that developers be compelled to hold more accessible meetings with proper presentations and question-and-answer sessions. Board of Supervisors Chair Lori Hayes acknowledged the issues, stating the Crossroads Tech meeting was "not good" and the venue was insufficient. While emphasizing that developers hosted the meetings, she expressed hope that county staff could influence better coordination for future engagements.
Supervisor David Goosman, who attended the Pairmont gathering, also recognized residents' frustration, particularly with the simultaneous scheduling of the two meetings. He confirmed that the county intends to be more proactive in deconflicting future community meeting schedules to maximize public engagement. The article also covered unrelated Board decisions to table special use permits for a housing development and a slaughterhouse, highlighting other local planning discussions.