Gainesville Data Center Projects Advance in Prince William County, Virginia
Renewed plans for multiple data centers in Gainesville, Virginia, are moving forward after a three-year pause. Developer JK Land Holdings is seeking rezoning and permits for up to five data centers on an 82-acre site, facing strong opposition from local residents and a supervisor due to concerns about noise and power infrastructure. The proposal is set to go before the Planning Commission and the Board of County Supervisors this fall.
After a three-year pause, two proposed data center projects in Gainesville, Prince William County, Virginia, developed by JK Land Holdings, are actively seeking approval. The proposals involve rezoning an 82-acre site, formerly Hillwood Camping Park, for up to five data centers totaling as much as 2 million square feet, with buildings potentially reaching 81 feet in height.
Local residents from Somerset Crossing and Gainesville Supervisor George Stewart have expressed significant concerns regarding the projects' proximity to homes and a daycare, potential noise pollution, and the strain on power infrastructure. Despite these objections, the developer has cited reductions in original plans, inclusion of tree buffers, and compliance with the county's noise ordinance.
The projects are located outside the designated data center overlay district and require both a comprehensive plan amendment and a special use permit. Key updates to the latest July submission include a lower floor-area ratio, reduced building heights, a proffered substation, and design commitments to mitigate impacts on nearby residences. Construction is slated to proceed over five to seven years, contingent on power availability. The proposals are expected to be reviewed by the Planning Commission before a final decision by the Board of County Supervisors this fall.
Additionally, another project by JK Land Holdings, an 82-acre Gardner Property site in Gainesville, also aims for five data centers and a substation. This site is adjacent to existing Amazon facilities, also lies outside the county's Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District, and similarly requires a special use permit and a comprehensive plan amendment.