Council votes against data center rules
The Front Royal Town Council voted 6-0 to deny proposed zoning changes that would have allowed data centers, following strong public opposition from over 100 speakers. The council also directed staff to develop a proposed ordinance to prohibit data centers from all zoning districts and establish a temporary moratorium. This decision comes amidst concerns regarding infrastructure, utilities, environment, and community impact.
The Front Royal Town Council, following a public hearing where over 100 residents voiced opposition, unanimously voted 6-0 to deny proposed zoning changes that would have allowed data centers within the I-2 Industrial Employment District.
Vice Mayor Amber F. Veitenthal and council members Melissa A. DeDomenico-Payne, Joshua L. Ingram, H. Bruce Rappaport, R. Wayne Sealock, and Glenn E. Wood all voted against the amendment. The motion by Veitenthal also directed the Department of Planning and Zoning staff and the Planning Commission to develop, within 60 days, a proposed ordinance to prohibit data centers from all zoning districts and establish a temporary moratorium on data center applications. This directive cited concerns over infrastructure, utility, environmental, fiscal, and community impacts.
Speakers at the meeting, which extended past midnight, cited concerns including light and noise pollution, high electricity and water demand, negative impacts on property values and natural amenities like Shenandoah National Park, and potential health problems. Several council members, including Veitenthal and Ingram, have previously called for a ban on data centers in the town.