We have reviewed the agenda for Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting (8/19/25) and note that, while it lists some potential next steps, it does not include the straightforward, obvious, and commonly employed action of advertising a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission.
We want the Board to vote at this Tuesday, August 19 meeting to advertise a joint public hearing on the revised standards and to set the advertised data center building setback at 500 feet or more.
A joint public hearing is an effective approach to put meaningful standards in place promptly to protect Stafford County residents by updating current, outdated, and lax regulations governing data centers.
The Planning Commission has completed a thorough review, examining comprehensive plans and ordinances from municipalities across the Commonwealth, with extensive input from the public, county staff, and the County Attorney’s office. The Planning Commission has gone above and beyond what was asked, dedicating significant time to reviewing all new information and developments since this task was last assigned. In doing so, they have gained a level of expertise and understanding that most of the Board does not currently possess. Based on this work, they have provided detailed recommendations for the Board’s consideration. It is now the Board’s responsibility to act on those recommendations and take the necessary steps to mitigate data centers’ impact on our communities.
With one Supervisor retiring and three additional districts up for election, timely action is essential to ensure continuity and to protect residents from unnecessary and unjustifiable delays. The Planning Commission has done its work; the public deserves the Board to do theirs.
Residents are encouraged to attend and to speak to the Board of Supervisors during the period of public comment that is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 19th
TIME: Meeting starts at 5 pm. Public Comment begins at 6:30 pm
WHERE: Stafford County Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554
The meeting starts at 5 pm. Public comments begin at 6:30 pm (each resident gets 3 minutes to speak). Your voice matters. Please communicate that you want the Board to take action to advertise a joint public hearing on the revised standards and to set the advertised data center building setback at 500 feet or more.
The Board of Supervisors meets at Stafford County's George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554 Board of Supervisors Chambers.
Please write to the Board of Supervisors (copying all of them) communicating the following:
The Board of Supervisors should advertise a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission on the revised data center standards with an advertised data center building setback of 500 feet or more.
EMAIL SUBJECT:
Support For Joint Public Hearing With the Planning Commission
EMAIL MESSAGE:
Dear Supervisors,
As a resident of Stafford County who lives in the [Your District if you know it], I’m urging you to support the completion of the updated revisions to Stafford County's Data Center Performance Standards by moving forward with a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission with an advertised data center building setback of 500 feet or more. The Planning Commission has diligently worked to understand and craft these standards, reflecting extensive input from the community, County staff, and the County Attorney's office. Our community expects and deserves thoughtful, responsible oversight to ensure sustainable development practices moving forward. It is imperative that the Board moves forward without delay.
This board ordained the original data center standards and it is the responsibility of this board to revise these standards for the benefit of the public. Your support sends a clear message: Stafford County is committed to protecting its residents and planning wisely for the future. Please stand with your constituents and approve the joint public hearing without delay.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CONTACT INFO:
PLANNING COMMISSION CONTACT INFO:
Data Center Sub-Commission members denoted with asterisk (*)
Click on the link or button below to view the election district map that shows Stafford’s seven election districts.
On the right at the top of the map page, push the address search button (house icon). Input your street number and the name of your street. Insert just your street, no road or lane or court or any other descriptors. Search and your property will appear, complete with district identifier. If you have trouble and need help, reach out and we'll help!
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Standing alone, it is hard to influence a massive development that is not good for our community. The collective ability of a group to exert influence, achieve goals, and impact our surroundings, is powerful. The powerful synergy created when individuals and like-minded groups (i.e., ProtectCatlett and others) pool their resources, knowledge, and effort, often exceeds what any single member can accomplish alone.
E Pluribus Unum - out of many, one.
Kelsey Road & Zachary Lane, Stafford, VA 22554, USA
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