Stafford Planning Commission considering new rules after data center hearing canceled

Stafford County's Planning Commission is considering new rules for development applicants after a public hearing for the Accokeek Tech Park data center project was abruptly canceled on April 22, just an hour before its scheduled start. The proposed project involves approximately 690,000 square feet of data center space on 120 acres. Charlie Payne, the attorney for Accokeek Tech Park, stated the delay was due to confusion in the staff report and a desire to avoid public negotiation, despite emphasizing the project's benefits such as tax revenue and appropriate siting. The last-minute cancellation sparked anger among data center critics, including Erin Sanzero, president of Protect Stafford, and resident Sarah Balon from King George County, who had made specific arrangements to attend. Planning Commission Chairwoman Kristen Barnes acknowledged the public's frustration, and Michael Zuraf, Stafford’s planning and zoning director, confirmed that staff would investigate options for addressing future cancellations. In addition to the Accokeek project, the commission addressed other data center developments. They held a public hearing for the Potomac Creek Campus project, which proposes up to 975,000 square feet of data center space. After the hearing, commissioners unanimously voted to defer discussion on this project until May 27, partly due to concerns regarding a known family cemetery on the property that may contain unmarked burials of enslaved individuals. Separately, the commission unanimously recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve an electric substation for a Vantage data center project, which is proceeding by right near Centerport Parkway and Mountain View Road.