Mayor Lori Athey Cockrell Looks to Water, Economic Development and Rail Trail in Another Term
Front Royal Mayor Lori Athey Cockrell said the town council currently does not want large data centers in Front Royal, reflecting opposition voiced during a well-attended public hearing. She also identified securing a secondary water source and economic development as priorities if she wins another term.
Front Royal Mayor Lori Athey Cockrell said the Town Council’s current consensus is that large data centers are not an appropriate fit for the town. She cited a public hearing where about 100 people spoke and said most public comments, social media discussions and conversations with residents have reflected opposition, although some residents support data center development and have not expressed that view publicly.
Cockrell said communities are grappling with the benefits of data infrastructure alongside concerns about facility size, noise and resource demands. Looking ahead to another mayoral term, she listed securing a secondary water source, advancing the Shenandoah Rail Trail and strengthening economic development as key priorities.