The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors convened on July 29, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on a proposed amendment and rezoning application related to a data center project.

The meeting began with a presentation regarding the request to rezone approximately 0.18 acres of abandoned Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) right-of-way. This request is part of a larger application involving a total of 22.51 acres, which is designated for industrial use in the county's long-range land use plan. The applicant seeks to align the proffers with the intended data center use, proposing modifications and waivers to the existing zoning designations.

Staff recommended approval of the application, noting that it is situated within the Data Center Opportunity Overlay District and the E-Commerce Overlay District. The proposed height for the data center is 70 feet, consistent with the office mid-rise designation, although the applicant could potentially increase this to 100 feet under certain conditions. The planning commission had previously reviewed the application and recommended approval with a vote of 6 to 1, indicating strong support for the project.

During the meeting, Supervisor Vega inquired about the surrounding land uses, which include the Manassas Regional Airport and several existing data centers. Staff confirmed that the area is primarily industrial, with no identified weaknesses in the proposal. The applicant also conducted community outreach, holding a meeting in May that attracted less than 20 attendees from the nearby Great Oaks community.

Concerns regarding noise from the data center were raised, particularly from the Great Oaks community, which is located approximately 0.25 miles away. The applicant has committed to adhering to noise ordinance levels and conducting a sound study prior to the building permit and site plan stages to mitigate any potential impacts.

The meeting concluded with a call for further dialogue among board members and the public, as the board prepares to make a decision on the application in the coming weeks. Overall, the discussions highlighted the county's ongoing efforts to balance industrial development with community concerns.