Staunton: Why was the EDA talking at length last week about a data center?
Staunton’s Economic Development Authority discussed the potential fiscal impact and possible conditions for a data center at Staunton Crossing, despite city leaders previously signaling little interest in the idea. Data centers are not currently permitted under the city’s zoning code, so any proposal would require zoning changes, public hearings and City Council approval.
The Staunton Economic Development Authority received a presentation from Tim Davey of Timmons Group about long-term marketing and site readiness at Staunton Crossing, a 300-acre former Western State Hospital site with approximately 150 developable acres. The discussion included scenarios evaluating the fiscal impact of a potential data center and addressed conditions the city could impose on any developer.
City Council member Jeff Overholtzer asked about the terms Staunton could enforce, while Mayor Michele Edwards emphasized that data centers are not currently permitted under the city’s zoning code. She said any effort to allow one would require review by the Planning Commission, public hearings and a final City Council vote. No specific developer or project has been identified, and city leaders have continued to downplay rumors of a data center at the site.