The Prince William County Planning Commission voted to allow a data center development project to move forward despite opposition from residents and members of environmental groups.
Officials approved the first application for the Prince William County Gateway project with provisions that noise is adequately mitigated and measures are taken to address potential negative impacts on the environment. The final vote was 4-3 with one abstention.
The vote was held at about 5 a.m. Thursday, hours after concerned citizens packed the 7 p.m. board meeting in Woodbridge to voice their opposition.
Prince William County Planning Commissioner Qwendolyn Brown said the data company provided a letter laying out how they would address worries over wildlife and noise.
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Data centers have become a source of major controversy in Prince William County, sparking debate between those who want an economic boost and those who want to protect the rural landscape.
Outside Prince William County Planning Commission headquarters, dozens spoke against opening about 2,100 acres in the county’s protected “rural crescent” for up to a maximum 27.6 million square feet of data centers.
“At the equivalent of over 150 Walmart Supercenters in size, the Digital Gateway represents the biggest development threat this region has ever seen,” Kyle Hart, of the National Parks Conservation Association, said.
A number of national and local groups oppose the giant data center, which would require rezoning in order to permit its placement near the Manassas National Battlefield Park, approximately 27 miles west of D.C.
“The county should continue to plan to preserve this down-zoned area to meet the increasing resiliency challenges we face from more frequent and intense major flooding events due to climate change,” Ann Bennett, of Sierra Club Virginia, said.
Another speaker urged officials to approve the project, saying the country needs revenue to support mental health care.
This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.
