Potomac Creek and Eskimo Hill data centers delayed in Stafford over cemetery, noise concerns
Key Questions
Why was the Potomac Creek data center project delayed in Stafford?
The 99-acre project with three buildings was deferred by the Board of Supervisors in a 4-3 vote due to concerns over a historic cemetery containing enslaved burials, following emotional public testimony.
What concerns led to the pause of the Eskimo Hill Road data center?
Supervisors paused the project over issues including noise, water usage, and potential impacts to a historic cemetery with enslaved peoples' graves.
How do these Stafford delays relate to broader data center opposition?
The actions signal growing local scrutiny of data center siting, consistent with recent opposition momentum such as the termination of the Digital Gateway project in Prince William County.
What groups are monitoring the final decisions on these Stafford data centers?
Residents and preservation groups are closely watching the outcomes given the cemetery and environmental concerns raised during public hearings.
What was the size and scope of the deferred Potomac Creek data center proposal?
It involved a 99-acre site with three buildings, which was deferred by the Stafford Board of Supervisors amid historic preservation issues.
Stafford BOS delays Potomac Creek data center (99 acres, 3 buildings) due to historic cemetery with enslaved burials; split vote (4-3) with emotional testimony. Eskimo Hill Road data center also paused by BOS over noise, water, and cemetery concerns. These delays signal growing scrutiny of data center siting in Stafford, echoing broader regional opposition (Digital Gateway termination in Prince William). Residents and preservation groups are closely watching final decisions.