Group Opposing Data Centers Urges Residents to Attend Front Royal, Warren County Hearings

A grassroots group opposing the possibility of data centers in Warren County is urging residents to attend two upcoming public hearings and make their voices heard.

The Facebook group “Protect Warren County – No Data Centers” has been organizing community outreach efforts and sharing information about meetings tied to possible data center development in both Front Royal and Warren County. Organizers say the effort is not political, but instead focused on preserving the area’s rural character, scenic views, and natural resources.

“This group isn’t about the left or right,” the organization states on its Facebook page. “This is about bringing our community together to keep it beautiful, rural, and scenic.”

The group recently released a public flyer encouraging residents from Front Royal, Warren County, and neighboring communities to attend upcoming hearings involving data center discussions.

According to the flyer, organizers believe the region lacks the infrastructure, water supply, and public support needed for large-scale data center projects.

“We are now fighting the data center battle on two fronts — the Town and the County — but we will come together as one community,” the flyer states.

The first meeting is scheduled for June 22 at 7 p.m. during a Front Royal Town Council public hearing at the Government Center, located at 220 N. Commerce Ave.

A second public hearing is planned for July 8 at 6 p.m. before the Warren County Planning Commission at Warren County High School, 155 Westminster Drive.

Organizers are encouraging residents to sign up to speak during the hearings, even if only briefly, to voice opposition to data centers. Public comments will be limited to three minutes per speaker.

The group says its mission is to keep residents informed about meetings, proposals, and events connected to possible data center development while building community involvement around the issue.

Concerns raised by opponents include potential impacts on water use, power infrastructure, traffic, noise, and the rural landscape that defines much of the Shenandoah Valley.

Data centers have become a hotly debated topic across Virginia in recent years as localities weigh economic development opportunities against concerns about infrastructure demands and environmental impacts.

Residents interested in learning more can find updates through the “Protect Warren County – No Data Centers” Facebook group.