Planning Commission asks county staff for data-center fact sheet after work session

The Frederick County Planning Commission voted July 2 to request that the Board of Supervisors direct the county planning staff to prepare a concise fact sheet on data centers, listing site-selection criteria, water and power use, recyclability of water, expected jobs and whether they would be filled locally, noise levels and frequency maps, typical facility footprints, and tax and revenue implications.

Commissioner Thomas, who moved for the request after a work session that he and other commissioners described as leaving unanswered technical and fiscal questions, said the commission needs factual material to inform future reviews rather than rely on impressions or anecdote. The motion asked that staff consider as many details as possible and to present the information in a short, easy-to-use format rather than a lengthy report.

Several commissioners supported the motion, arguing staff and commissioners lacked sufficient technical detail following public sessions and presentations by developers. Others objected to expending resources before the county's comprehensive plan was finalized or voiced concern that citizen preferences should be solicited before pursuing data-center policy changes. Planning staff said the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) study of data centers in Virginia would be used as a starting point for any fact sheet and offered to summarize available material.

The commission approved the request by roll call: recorded yes votes from McKay, Botorff, Snedden, Markert, Thomas, Kern, DeHaven and the chair; recorded no votes from Bridal (Brumbach) and Whitaker. The motion carried. The commission instructed staff to use existing studies where appropriate and to return a concise, tabular fact sheet to the Board of Supervisors for consideration.