Proposed Stafford data center could disturb graves | NBC4 Washington
A proposed data center project in Stafford County, Virginia, is facing opposition due to its planned location on a known cemetery site, including unmarked graves of enslaved individuals. The Stafford County Board of Supervisors has deferred a decision, requesting further investigation into the grave sites. The project may face legal challenges if the county proceeds, with courts potentially deciding the fate of the graves.
A controversial data center project proposed for Stafford County, Virginia, has stirred significant debate due to its intended location on a historical cemetery, dating back to the 1700s. The site is known to contain four marked grave sites and an adjacent area believed to hold unmarked graves of enslaved individuals.
Mike Zierath, Director of Development in Stafford County, confirmed that a data center developer presented its proposal to the Board of Supervisors. The presentation drew strong concerns from some supervisors and members of the public, who expressed outrage at the prospect of disturbing ancestral graves. One supervisor directly questioned the applicant about the ethical implications of disinterring remains. Public sentiment was also vocally against the project, particularly regarding the graves of enslaved peoples, with calls to reject the development.
While the Board of Supervisors did not outright reject the proposal, they deferred action, requesting the developer conduct a thorough investigation and survey of the land to identify all burial sites. A supervisor emphasized the need for a full investigation before offering support. The board is expected to reconsider the matter in two months. The report also highlighted that state law guides the process, stating that development directly over a cemetery is not allowed. Ultimately, if the county moves forward, courts could decide on the relocation of graves or if data centers can be built adjacent to them. Stafford County currently has one data center online, five approved projects, and twelve pending applications, with this specific proposal being a key point of contention.