Prince William Digital Gateway project halted by Virginia Court of Appeals

The Virginia Court of Appeals has unanimously halted the controversial Prince William Digital Gateway project, a plan for the world's largest data center complex near Manassas National Battlefield Park. The three-judge panel upheld a lower court ruling, finding that Prince William County improperly fast-tracked the rezoning votes in 2023, failing to provide the public a fair chance to comment and violating state and county advertisement laws. The decision is a significant victory for county residents and historic preservation organizations, including the American Battlefield Trust and the Oak Valley Homeowners Association, who had challenged the rezoning through two simultaneous lawsuits. Opponents voiced concerns about disruptions to the local watershed and wildlife, quality of life, and the loss of the park's historic feel. Conversely, some property owners favored the plan for its potential tax benefits to the county. While the Prince William County Board of Supervisors initially approved the 2,100-acre data center project along Pageland Lane in a 4-3 vote with one abstention, the Court of Appeals sided with the challengers' argument that public advertisement for the plan was insufficient. The American Battlefield Trust's president, David Duncan, stated the court agreed the county "did not properly advertise this nightmarish proposal or make its text available to the public." Prince William County is currently reviewing the decision, which can be appealed to the Virginia Supreme Court within 30 days. The county has stated it does not comment on active litigation.