Prince William County Chair Walks Back Plans to Consider Data Center Project

Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair Ann Wheeler has decided to postpone the consideration of the controversial PW Digital Gateway data center project. Originally scheduled for the board’s meeting on November 21, Wheeler stated during a previous meeting on September 12 that the Tuesday before Thanksgiving is not an appropriate time for such a hearing.

Instead, Wheeler plans to introduce a calendar amendment during the board’s upcoming work session to reschedule the hearings for two rezoning requests QTS Realty Trust Inc., one of the developers involved in the proposed project. These requests are related to building 27 million square feet of data centers on approximately 2,100 acres near Gainesville in western Prince William County.

The rescheduled hearings would likely take place before the end of the year, which would allow the Democratic majority of the board to consider the Digital Gateway project. Historically, this majority has been supportive of data center development. However, with Wheeler’s term ending and a new chair potentially less interested in the project taking office after the general election, the political landscape surrounding the proposal may change.

Originally, Wheeler had pushed to expedite the applications due to pressure from QTS Realty Trust Inc.’s legal counsel, who cited a one-year legal limitation on processing zoning applications. The applications were formally accepted the county in July 2022, but it is unclear when the Compass Datacenters rezoning request will be considered.

Sources: Prince William Board of County Supervisors, QTS Realty Trust Inc.

Definitions:
– PW Digital Gateway: A proposed data center project in Prince William County.
– Rezoning: The process of changing the intended use or designation of a piece of land.
– QTS Realty Trust Inc.: One of the developers involved in the PW Digital Gateway project.
– Comprehensive Plan amendment: A modification to the county’s planning document that would allow the project to proceed.
– Zoning application: The formal request made to change the zoning designation of a property.

Sources:
– Prince William Board of County Supervisors
– QTS Realty Trust Inc.