The Prince William County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted down a measure that could have delayed the PW Digital Gateway development.
The board voted 5–3, with all Democrats opposed and all Republicans in favor, against a moratorium on most land-use decisions between November’s election and the time the next board is sworn in, in January. That could have delayed any action on the PW Digital Gateway, a 2,100-acre data center project proposed for the Gainesville area.
Supervisor Jeanine Lawson, a Republican representing the Brentsville District who won her party’s nomination to be the next board chair, introduced the proposal, saying it was a good-government measure. She has made statements the oppose the rezoning application necessary to move the project forward.
Ann B. Wheeler, the at-large chair, was one of the Democrats who voted against the moratorium. She was defeated in last month’s primary by Deshundra Jefferson, who has also opposed the PW Digital Gateway application.
Democrats on the board said they were concerned that such a moratorium would endanger other projects, The Washington Post reported.
Proponents of the data center complex believe it will bring about $400 million a year in tax revenues; opponents contend that data centers use tremendous amounts of power and cause ecological problems.
Opponents staged a rally outside Tuesday’s board meeting, and more than 100 residents took part in the public comment period, The Post reported.
Feature image, Vink Fan/stock.adobe.com
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