‘A major concern’: Eastern Prince William residents denounce new data center proposals
Residents of eastern Prince William County, Virginia, are actively opposing new data center developments, including six projects near Dumfries and others near Prince William Forest Park. An activist group, Woodbridge United, organized a protest to highlight concerns about environmental impact, noise, and water consumption, urging county supervisors to address the proliferation of these tech hubs.
Residents in eastern Prince William County, Virginia, are expressing strong apprehension regarding the increasing number of data center proposals in their communities, a trend previously concentrated in the county's western half. Several new projects, including six proposed by developers William Cooley of Atlantic Funding LLC and Barrie Peterson of Southgate Business LLC near the Four Seasons senior living community in Dumfries, and others near Prince William Forest Park, are currently undergoing the county's planning review.
Woodbridge United, a local activist group, organized a protest outside the Prince William County government center, prior to a Board of County Supervisors meeting, to voice their concerns. Protesters chanted "You can't drink data" to emphasize worries about data centers' substantial water consumption and potential environmental impacts. Lisa McFarren-Polgar, a resident of the Four Seasons community, highlighted the adverse effects of pollution and noise on the elderly residents and the potential impact on Quantico Creek. Additionally, the Quantico Ridge project near Prince William Forest Park was temporarily withdrawn from board consideration on May 12.
Michael Slayter, another Four Seasons resident, expressed skepticism about supervisors who claim to support residents while accepting contributions from developers. Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey, Gainesville Supervisor George Stewart, and County Executive Christopher Shorter were present at the government center during the protest. A police vehicle was dispatched to the protest site after an internal call, underscoring the tension surrounding the issue.