Town Council Begins Process for Data Center Prohibition
The Front Royal Town Council unanimously voted to deny a text amendment that would have allowed data centers with special-use permits. Instead, the Council instructed staff and the Planning Commission to draft language to prohibit data centers in all zoning districts and establish a temporary moratorium on applications within 60 days. This decision followed strong community opposition citing concerns about utilities, noise, and environmental impacts.
The Front Royal Town Council, following a public hearing attended by over 300 people, unanimously voted to deny a text amendment that would have allowed data centers by special-use permit in the I-2 industrial zone. Vice-Mayor Amber Veitenthal crafted the motion, which also directed town staff and the Town Planning Commission to develop language within 60 days to prohibit data centers in all zoning districts and establish a temporary moratorium on new applications.
The decision came after widespread community opposition, with 95 residents speaking against data centers at the late-night meeting on June 22-23. Concerns raised included demands on utilities, noise pollution, alteration of the view from Skyline Drive, and overall incompatibility with the town's character. Mayor Lori Cockrell and Vice-Mayor Veitenthal acknowledged the significant public participation and the value of community input in the council's deliberations, noting their overflowing inboxes from residents.
The Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability (ACES) had also recommended denial due to potential impacts on infrastructure. The council will take final action on the resulting text amendment after the commission defines "data center" versus "technology." This action signals a clear intent to prevent data center development in Front Royal.