Opponents urge Prince William County not to appeal ruling voiding data center rezoning

Opponents of the proposed Prince William Digital Gateway data center campus are advocating that the Prince William County Board of Supervisors refrain from appealing a recent court decision. This ruling voided the county’s rezoning approval from two years ago, which had designated approximately 1,700 acres of farmland and homes for the development of up to 37 data centers. Elena Schlasber, head of the Coalition to Protect Prince William County, emphasized the community's suffering and urged the board to cease its legal battle, stating, "We will never give up" and "We are sick and tired of covering the bills for this industry." The Virginia appeals court upheld a lower court's finding that the board had failed to properly advertise its public hearing, thereby invalidating the rezoning. The county has a 30-day window to appeal this decision, with a spokesperson indicating that they are currently reviewing their options. Steve Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, noted that the county might proceed with an appeal if it believes it could generate additional revenue and reduce pressure on property taxes. However, he also highlighted the challenge of overturning the circuit court's decisions. The opposition group continues to pressure the board, asserting that it is time for the county to stop fighting its own residents.