Data centers, land sale, and pedestrian mall on Front Royal agendas
Front Royal's data center debate continued last week as the Planning Commission reviewed a draft ordinance to prohibit such facilities, while the Town Council is set to consider a temporary moratorium on Monday. No votes have been taken on the most consequential items yet; recent meetings were agenda-only, and minutes have not been published.
Recent meetings
The Town Council on June 22 held public hearings on selling two portions of Lowe Lane to abutting owners — 6,211 square feet to Theodore Kane for $3,375.85 and to Paul Rush for $5,395.42 — and on repealing the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Town Code Chapter 148). The council also considered zoning text amendments to define "Data Centers" and allow them by special use permit in the I-2 industrial district. Consent agenda items include an hourly wood grinding service contract and a downtown parking study.
The Planning Commission on July 1 held a work session to discuss a draft ordinance that would prohibit data centers, as well as a review of zoning Articles 8 and 10 covering elderly care, day care, bed and breakfasts, cemeteries, and temporary structures. The commission also considered an amendment to permit outdoor dining in commercial districts and a special use permit for a mural larger than 60 square feet at 37 Water Street, submitted by the Rotary Club.
Upcoming meetings
The Town Council meets Monday, July 6, and will consider a 90-day moratorium on all data center land use applications — including rezonings, special uses, and site plans — while zoning updates are drafted. The council will also discuss closing a portion of Church Street between East Main Street and East Jackson Street to motor vehicles to create a permanent pedestrian walkway. A special use permit for 508 Kendrick Lane (case 2600139) is also on the agenda.
The Front Royal Economic Development Authority also meets Monday. Its agenda includes a quarterly Retail Strategies update on franchisee recruitment and data reports, an update on the Shenandoah Rail Trail (estimated $164 million total cost, with $35 million state appropriation for acquisition), and the South Street Project (VDOT finalizing engineering, bidding next year). Other items include a regional job fair attendance report and the downtown parking study contract presented to the Town Council.
Coming up
- **Front Royal Economic Development Authority**: Monday, July 6 (agenda available)
- **Town Council**: Monday, July 6 (agenda includes data center moratorium and Church Street closure)
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.