Fauquier County Residents Oppose Giga Land Data Center During Public Hearing

The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on August 14, 2025, where community members voiced strong opinions regarding the proposed development of data centers in the area, particularly the Giga Land project. The meeting featured a series of public comments that highlighted concerns about the potential impact of these developments on the county's character, environment, and infrastructure.

The session began with Keith O'Neil from Cedar Run District, who raised safety concerns related to local cattle management and emphasized the need for accountability from property owners. Following him, Chuck Cross from Marshall District expressed his opposition to data center growth, referencing the ongoing issues stemming from the Amazon data center debate that began three years prior. He urged the board to consider the long-term implications of transforming Fauquier County into a landscape similar to Loudoun County, which has seen rapid data center expansion.

Several speakers echoed Cross's sentiments, including Kevin O'Neil, who cautioned against the rapid development of data centers, arguing that the county should be selective about its commercial tax base. Spencer Brady, a local resident, voiced support for the Giga Land project, citing job creation as a benefit for families in the area.

Rosemary Damewood and Jody Warfield, both from Lee District, raised concerns about the precedent set by rezoning for data centers, with Warfield specifically referencing the county's existing data center policy that restricts such developments to designated service districts. Warfield's comments were supported by Tom Debutz, who highlighted the historical significance of the Remington area and warned against compromising its character for industrial development.

Community members continued to express their opposition, with William Ziegler and Ann Ziegler articulating fears that data centers would degrade the county's agricultural and scenic appeal. Kimberly Cicillano questioned the financial benefits of additional data centers, noting that existing facilities had not led to reduced taxes or utility bills for residents.

The meeting concluded with a call for careful consideration of the county's future, as residents urged supervisors to prioritize the preservation of Fauquier's unique character over short-term financial gains. The board is expected to deliberate on these proposals in the coming months, with significant public interest and concern surrounding the potential impacts of data center development on the community.