Orndorff seeking to retain Back Creek seat
Frederick County Supervisor Albert "Al" Orndorff is seeking re-election amidst strong community opposition to data centers. The county is considering an ordinance to restrict data centers from all zoning districts and faces two pending data center applications that were recommended for denial by the Planning Commission. Orndorff emphasizes the need for economic development while acknowledging community concerns about natural resources, noise, and potential legal challenges.
Frederick County, Virginia is grappling with intense community opposition to data center development, a topic that has heavily influenced the upcoming special election for the Back Creek District Supervisor seat.
Incumbent Albert "Al" Orndorff, appointed to the seat, is being challenged by independent candidate Elizabeth Aylor, whose campaign centers on preventing data centers and preserving natural resources. While Orndorff shares concerns about natural resources and potential impacts like low-frequency noise and water usage, he has refrained from taking a public stance on data centers due to his role as an impartial supervisor who will vote on pending proposals. He also expressed concern that a premature stance could give developers grounds to sue the county.
Currently, the county is reviewing two major data center applications: Winchester Gateway, a 71.85-acre campus with three buildings in Kernstown, and Virginia Technology Park, a 220-acre campus with ten buildings in Clear Brook. Both proposals were unanimously recommended for denial by the Frederick County Planning Commission. Additionally, the Board of Supervisors is slated to vote on September 23 on a proposed ordinance amendment that would remove data centers as a permitted or conditional use from all county zoning districts. Critics fear this proposal may contain loopholes or is a political maneuver to appease opposition before the election.
Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Bob Wells has publicly suggested a one-to-two-year moratorium to study data center impacts, though Orndorff dismisses concerns that this might create legal vulnerability for the county. Orndorff also noted that Frederick County's projected population growth necessitates economic development, suggesting an expansion of the Urban Development Area (UDA) to guide growth appropriately.