Rumor killer: Is Staunton Crossing going to be home to a data center?
Rumors about a data center development at Staunton Crossing have been debunked by City Council member Brad Arrowood, who confirmed there are no current plans. Arrowood expressed personal opposition to any future data center projects in the city, citing concerns about electricity and water consumption. He also indicated that a 2019 planning document, which listed a data center as a possible use, should have that recommendation removed.
Persistent rumors regarding a potential data center at Staunton Crossing prompted an Augusta Free Press (AFP) reader to seek clarification from City Hall. Staunton City Council member Brad Arrowood officially dispelled the rumors, stating in an email that there are no current or past plans for a data center under consideration during his tenure.
Arrowood further expressed his personal opposition to any proposed data center project in Staunton, believing that other City Council members share his view. He highlighted common local concerns about data centers' significant demands on electricity and water resources, as well as their limited long-term job creation post-construction. Arrowood acknowledged that the Staunton Crossing location, due to its interstate proximity, would be attractive to data center developers.
The council member also addressed a 2019 planning document for Staunton Crossing that listed a data center as a possible use, noting it predated the current council members' terms. He pointed out a shift in public sentiment since then, as the community has become more aware of data centers' resource consumption. Arrowood stated his desire to have the data center recommendation removed from the proposed uses in the planning document.