Supervisors seek outside attorney before data-center hearing
The Warren County Board of Supervisors is seeking legal advice from an outside attorney before an upcoming public hearing on August 18 for proposed zoning ordinance changes that would allow data centers in industrial districts. This decision follows significant public opposition and a prior denial of a similar zoning amendment by the Front Royal Town Council, which also sought external legal counsel. The county's Planning Commission has already recommended denying the proposed changes.
The Warren County Board of Supervisors is preparing for a public hearing on August 18 to discuss proposed changes to the county's zoning ordinance, which, if approved, would permit data centers in industrial districts. In a 5-0 vote, the board authorized the advertisement for this hearing, which is anticipated to draw a large crowd and will likely be held at a county public school.
Supervisor John W. Stanmeyer initially moved to postpone the advertisement, advocating for the supervisors to first meet with the private attorney who advised the Front Royal Town Council on data center zoning restrictions. Stanmeyer emphasized the high public engagement and numerous competing ideas surrounding data center development, citing the town's experience in using legal counsel to understand options for prohibiting data centers.
The Front Royal Town Council recently denied a proposed zoning amendment that would have allowed data centers in an industrial zone, following a public hearing where many residents spoke against the change. The town's Planning Commission is now slated to hold a hearing on a proposed ordinance that specifically prohibits data centers. Concurrently, the Warren County Planning Commission previously held its own public hearing on the county's proposed ordinance changes, filed by Dan Doty on behalf of property owner Rushmark Rockland Road LLC, and recommended by a 4-0 vote that the supervisors deny the request. Stanmeyer ultimately amended his motion to authorize the hearing advertisement while still pursuing a meeting with the outside legal counsel.