Prince William County supervisors unanimously reject proposal that could have opened nearly 2,000 acres to data centers
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors unanimously rejected a Comprehensive Plan Amendment that would have opened nearly 2,000 acres to data center development. The decision followed extensive public comment and staff recommendations citing infrastructure, environmental, and rural character concerns. This rejection marks another blow to data center expansion in the county, coming shortly after another major project was abandoned.
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors in Virginia unanimously rejected a proposal for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) that would have opened approximately 1,940 acres of primarily agricultural land in northern Prince William County to data center development. The board voted 8-0 against initiating the CPA for the proposed Dulles South Innovation Center after nearly six hours of public comment. Had the amendment advanced, it would have paved the way for rezoning requests to accommodate data centers, electrical substations, and related uses.
County planning staff had recommended against the amendment, citing concerns over inadequate road, water, and sewer infrastructure, potential environmental impacts, and the loss of rural character. Board Chair Deshundra Jefferson clarified that a CPA initiates a change, rather than merely studying possibilities, and advocated for a broader discussion on the county's growth and economic development. Supervisor Yesli Vega echoed concerns about becoming overly reliant on a single industry, despite the need to expand the commercial tax base.
The decision was welcomed by opponents, including Elena Schlossberg, executive director of the Coalition to Protect Prince William County, who viewed the rejection as a sign that Prince William County could avoid the extensive data center development seen in neighboring Loudoun County. Conversely, Josiah Hunter, a local resident who supported the proposal, argued the area's existing infrastructure makes it suitable for major projects despite its current agricultural designation. This vote follows the recent announcement by QTS to abandon its Prince William Digital Gateway project.