As WMRA has previously reported, the town of Strasburg is considering a proposed data center complex. Inside Strasburg’s Department of Public Works facility, residents recently gathered at an open house to learn more about the project. WMRA’s Ayse Pirge reports.
The proposed Project Tallmadge would be located right next to Interstate 81 and cover 87 acres. Keith Larkan, a Strasburg resident, wasn’t impressed with the information presented by the builder at an open house on Monday. .
KEITH LARKAN: This is not helpful at all. What we were hoping for was some kind of open forum, where questions could be asked from a group, and answers given. But not on this going station to station, because all this is, is a publicity show… All this is saying is they’re giving us the information they want us to hear.
Larkan said he has lived in Ashburn, and that his wife is from Manassas, both northern Virginia areas where data centers proliferate.
LARKAN: We have seen first hand what data centers do to communities. And it is not a pretty picture. And the great majority of the people in this town do not want this data center here. And they’ve made that very very clear. And we do not feel that that’s being heard, and to be perfectly honest, we do not feel that the town government is doing enough to listen to us, and to do something about it.
Elton Van Welton is a candidate for Strasburg Town Council.
ELTON VAN WELTON: I think the town’s been as transparent as it possibly can be. I think they’re consistently offering up what information they receive from the developer, and are committed to sharing everything to make the citizens know as much as they do, they can.
Takanock, the company behind Project Tallmadge, told WMRA in an email that they remain committed to open, transparent engagement with the town of Strasburg, its residents, and the broader Shenandoah Valley community.
The company said that Project Tallmadge is proposed within an industrial area, has been developed in close coordination with the town of Strasburg, and provides a long-term investment in the community.
Morgan Beachler, a Strasburg resident, doesn't favor or oppose the project, but wants to learn more about it.
MORGAN BEACHLER: We really just want to learn, and be educated in our decision making. And not going by what the louder voices are saying.
She’s seen the discussions on social media–
BEACHLER: Which I think so far has kind of been more one-sided. I feel like if people were truly for the data centers, they’re just not going to say it, just because of what’s been done on social media.
If approved, the construction for Project Tallmadge could begin in 2027, and end in 2030.
