Applicant seeks delay for Winchester Gateway data center
The public hearing for a conditional-use permit (CUP) application for the Winchester Gateway data center campus in Kernstown, Frederick County, has been delayed from its July 1 date. This delay comes after the Frederick County Planning Commission voiced questions and concerns during a work session regarding the project's energy infrastructure, building height, screening, and low-frequency noise. The applicant, Winchester Gateway LLC, requires more time to address these issues before proceeding to a public hearing.
The conditional-use permit (CUP) application for the proposed 71.85-acre Winchester Gateway data center campus in Kernstown, Frederick County, Virginia, will not proceed to a public hearing before the Frederick County Planning Commission on July 1. The applicant, Winchester Gateway LLC, requested a delay following significant questions and concerns raised by commissioners and planning staff during a recent work session.
Hobie Mitchel, president of L.S. Mitchel Development Group, representing the applicant, stated that more time is needed to address the issues, indicating the project was not ready for the scheduled public hearing. Concerns included the adequacy of existing electrical infrastructure to supply the requested 160-megawatts, with applicant Darius Saiedi noting potential upgrades along current 138-kV lines might be necessary. Planning Commission Chairman Tim Stowe expressed strong opposition to new high-voltage power lines being strung across the county.
Commissioners also criticized the proposed building heights of 60 to 70 feet, arguing for a maximum of 45 feet for aesthetic reasons and to preserve the viewshed of a nearby Civil War battlefield. Frederick County Senior Planner Tyler Klein questioned the effectiveness of the applicant's proposed screening measures, including plantings on berms. Additionally, staff proposed limiting noise to 65 dB(A) and (C) during the day and 60 dB(A) and (C) at night, pushing for low-frequency noise data that the applicant's acoustics consultant, Alex Hornecker, found challenging to provide.
This delay follows another recent postponement in the county, as Equus Capital Partners removed its Virginia Technology Park data center application from a Frederick County Board of Supervisors meeting agenda, with the Planning Commission having previously recommended its denial.