The Prince William County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the controversial Prince William Digital Gateway project.

The project aims to convert open space next to the Manassas National Battlefield into data centers. Three applicants have filed rezoning applications for the area, which would rezone more than 800 acres from agricultural and estate land to an area zoned for technology/flex space.

Data centers are server farms that power the internet, typically two-to-three-story warehouse-type buildings. In recent years, data center firms like Amazon, QTS, and Iron Mountain have built server farms outside Manassas, Haymarket, and Gainesville due to cheaper land costs, access to fiber data lines, and water.

Since June 2021, land planners at the Prince William County Government have been evaluating the proposed Digital Gateway Project, which would convert 27 estates on Pageland lane to land on which data centers may be built.

Many property owners, including the Gainesville District Supervisor Peter Candland, banned together to sell their property to data center firms. Supporters of the project say the new centers will generate millions in tax revenue for county government coffers, build new schools, and hire new police officers and fire and rescue personnel.

The project’s detractors say the buildings are too close to Manassas National Battlefield, the site of two of the first skirmishes of the Civil War. They also say the paving over the landscape will negatively affect the region’s groundwater and that noise emitted from the machinery on the top of the centers will make for unbearable living conditions for those with nearby homes.

The public hearing will begin at 7 p.m. during the Planning Commission meeting at the McCoart Building, 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge.

The first phase of a $3.7 billion project to add toll lanes to Interstate 66 will open during the weekend of Saturday, September 10.

Project leaders have yet to announce the exact opening date. Crews are working to make the final preparations for opening after five years of construction.

The nine-mile western stretch of the E-ZPass Express Lanes spans from Route 29 in Gainesville east to Route 28 in Centreville. The lanes feature multiple new ramps providing access to and from the E-ZPass lanes. The remaining 13 miles of new E-ZPass lanes on I-66 between Route 28 and I-495 (the Capital Beltway) should open in December 2022.

Drivers will access the western end of the tolled E-ZPass lanes through various points. Drivers traveling east on I-66 will merge onto the E-ZPass lanes from the non-tolled travel lanes before Route 29 in Gainesville or use a slip ramp further east at Route 234 Business near Manassas.

Drivers traveling west on I-66 will be able to access the Express Lanes from the general-purpose lanes before Route 28.

Drivers will also have direct access from new dedicated ramps at Route 234/Sudley Road, Route 28, and Braddock and Walney Roads, as well as access from two new commuter parking lots at University Boulevard in Gainesville and Century Park Drive near Manassas, which were built as part of the overall “Transform 66 Outside the Beltway” project.

Drivers will also have direct access from new dedicated ramps at Route 234/Sudley Road, Route 28, and Braddock and Walney roads, as well as access from two new commuter parking lots at University Boulevard and Century Park Drive, which were built as part of the overall “Transform 66 Outside the Beltway” project.

All drivers must have an E-ZPass transponder to use the lanes. Drivers with E-ZPass Flex transponders set to carpool mode can travel the new E-ZPass lanes for free.

During the initial opening phase, vehicles using carpool mode must have three or two occupants in the car to use the lanes for free or face fines. When the remainder of the lanes open, we expect the rules to change, requiring three or more occupants to ride free.

The road rules are the same as E-ZPass lanes on Interstates 95, 395, and 495 in Northern Virginia. Signs will display toll prices near the entrances of the lanes.

Carpools, vanpools, and commuter buses with E-ZPass Flex transponders will use the lanes free.

The new lane segment is opening ahead four months ahead of schedule.

“We are pleased to join our 66 Express Lanes project partners in opening the first segment of one of Virginia’s largest megaprojects ahead of schedule,” said VDOT Commissioner Stephen Brich. “By opening the western segment of the new 66 Express Lanes early, we are able to start delivering congestion relief to I-66 travelers sooner than originally planned.”

The Transform I-66 Express Lanes Outside the Beltway project provides 22.5 miles of new express lanes (two lanes in each direction alongside three regular lanes), with dedicated express lane access ramps, and median space reserved for future transit.

In addition, the project will provide 4,000 commuter parking spaces, new and expanded commuter bus service on the Fairfax County Connector and Potomac & Rappahannock Transportation Commission Omniride buses, safety and operational improvements at key interchanges, auxiliary lanes between interchanges, and bicycle and pedestrian paths and connections.

Drivers should expect possible delays now through Sunday on I-66 West between Manassas and Gainesville.

On Wednesday, August 31, crews erected a long-term closure of the left travel lane, which will be in place around-the-clock through Saturday, September 10. The left lane closure will reduce this section of westbound I-66 to three travel lanes from west of Route 234 Business (Sudley Road) near Groveton Road to Route 29 (Lee Highway) in Gainesville.

Additional lane closures will occur in this area during the overnight hours, says VDOT. These lane closures will allow crews to complete work for this section of roadway in preparation for the opening of the future 66 Express Lanes Outside the Beltway later this year.

Drivers should always use caution and pay attention to lane markings and roadway signs in construction zones. All work is weather dependent and will be rescheduled if inclement conditions occur.

The Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project will add E-ZPass Express toll lanes to a 22-and-a-half-mile stretch of I-66 from Route 29 in Gainesville to I-495. Improvements also include more than 4,000 new park-and-ride spaces, improved bus services, interchange improvements, and 11 miles of new bike and pedestrian trails.

The new lanes are expected to open in December after five years of construction.

On Saturday, July 30, House of Mercy hosted an annual back-to-school event.

The Gainesville-based charity provided 326 local children grades K-12 with free supplies for the upcoming school year. That donations to children represent 4.4% of the total amount of children starting classes Wednesday, August 10, in all 11 schools in the Manassas City Public School district. Below is a full report of the event.

House of Mercy is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit dedicated to feeding, clothing, educating, and praying for those in need, thus demonstrating God’s unlimited love and mercy for those in our community.

The charity operates a thrift store and food pantry at 8170 Flannery Court in Gainesville. The thrift store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m., and the food pantry is Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Police in Prince William County were called to investigate two incidents involving alcohol. One person locked herself in a bathroom at a car dealership and refused to leave, police said.

Another exposed himself to drivers in Gainesville, police said.

Here’s more from Prince William police:

Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer [LEO] – On August 5 at 9:26AM, officers responded to T and C Auto Sales located at 18405 Richmond Hwy. in Triangle (22172) to investigate a patron refusing to leave.

When officers arrived at the business, they located the patron, later identified as the accused, inside the restroom refusing to leave. After several attempts to have the accused exit the restroom, officers obtained a key from the manager and gained entry.

When officers attempted to take the accused into custody, she actively resisted and refused to follow officer’s commands. During the encounter, the accused bit and kicked the officers. After a brief struggle, the accused was taken into custody.

While investigating the incident, officers determined the accused was intoxicated and in possession of multiple illegal substances. The officer reported minor injuries.

Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Tara Lin GILL, was arrested.

Arrested on August 5:
Tara Lin GILL, 36, of no fixed address
Charged with 1 count of assault & battery on LEO, 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance, 1 count of obstruction of justice, 1 count of intoxicated in public, and 1 count of trespassing
Court Date: Pending | Bond: $6,000 Unsecured Bond

– On August 7 at 6:57PM, officers responded to the 14700 block Lee Hwy. in Gainesville (20155) to investigate an indecent exposure.

When officers arrived in the area, they made contact with a man matching the description provided to police. While investigating, officers determined the man, later identified as the accused, was intoxicated, and detained him.

The investigation revealed the victim, a 32-year-old woman, was in the parking lot of the above area when she observed the accused inside a vehicle exposing himself and making obscene gestures. The victim immediately contacted the police.

Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Robert Edward LATIMER II, was arrested.

Arrested on August 7:
Robert Edward LATIMER II, 40, of 4398 Ringwood Rd. in Nokesville Charged with indecent exposure and intoxicated in public
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

By Tom Coyle
Bristow

It seems clear to us that, as a group, our local elected leaders in Prince William County appear to be struggling to make decisions regarding the long-term strategic use of a scarce resource — our land.

Such land use decisions are critical to ensuring our county will be one that continues to attract new residents and new businesses and retains the current attributes that attracted current residents to move here.

The single issue of large data centers in proximity to residences is a complex one that crosses into hotly debated topics such as taxable revenue, open space and zoning use, and increased pressure to balance green space use and residential growth.

Although the various zoning laws, layover grids, etc., can be confusing and even contradictory, what’s clear is that no one, either elected or County Staff, seems to have heard of Moore’s Law.  And if they have, they have failed to take it into account as it applies to these large buildings now popping up throughout our county, large parts of which are rural or semi-rural.

Moore’s Law is the observation that the number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit (IC) doubles about every two years. Moore’s Law is an observation and projection of a historical trend. Rather than a law of physics, it is an empirical relationship linked to gains from experience in production.

It is understood the interior of these centers consists mainly of computer servers and racks, which, if we apply Moore’s Law, will shrink in size and thus need less space to operate.  What happens in 10 or 20 years when the requirement for these 500,000 square foot buildings is no more?  What incentive can our county offer a private company to continue to occupy a space that is not needed in order to operate and make a profit?

Why would they wish to occupy a 500,000 sqaure-foot space when, due to said law, they would only need a quarter or less of that space?  Who do the citizens then turn to to raze the building and restore the area to its original nature?

All the extra tax monies from these centers will not make up for the permanent scarring of our county.  Why can’t we analyze best practices from other municipalities around the country and then apply the best of those to use as a framework?

Has any elected official, or county staff, examined the second and third-order effects of approving the construction of these buildings and thus degrading one significant reason citizens move to Pricne William – high quality of life

We implore our county-elected leaders to slow down and demand a thoughtful, factual review of these proposals from staff.  If we don’t have the expertise in-house, then hire a well-respected national company to conduct it.

There is no rush to carefully consider all aspects of this issue, given the lasting impact it will have for years to come.  Perceived short-term gains (more money in our county coffers) we believe defines false economy and reminds us of the family cat being happily distracted by that new shiny object right in front of her to the exclusion of anything else.

We hope the elected leaders in Prince William County will reflect for a moment on why they ran for office in the first place: to help enrich the lives of the citizens they serve by thoughtful and informed decisions affecting all of us for generations to come.

According to the National Weather Service, we’re under flood watch beginning at 3 p.m.

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH THIS
EVENING…

* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE…DC and portions of Maryland and Virginia, including the
following areas: the District of Columbia. In Maryland, Anne
Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Central and Southeast Howard, Central
and Southeast Montgomery, Charles, Frederick MD, Northern
Baltimore, Northwest Harford, Northwest Howard, Northwest
Montgomery, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford, Southern Baltimore
and St. Marys. In Virginia, Albemarle, Arlington/Falls
Church/Alexandria, Culpeper, Eastern Loudoun, Fairfax, Greene,
King George, Madison, Nelson, Northern Fauquier, Orange, Prince
William/Manassas/Manassas Park, Rappahannock, Southern Fauquier,
Spotsylvania, Stafford and Western Loudoun.

* WHEN…From 3 PM EDT this afternoon through this evening.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Showers and thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and may
last into the evening. Any thunderstorms will be capable of
producing very heavy rainfall, with localized totals of two
to four inches possible. Much of the rain may fall within a
one to three hour period, making rapid rises in creeks and
streams possible, as well as flash flooding in urban areas.
– http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

Here’s the full forecast:

This Afternoon
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 92. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 11pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Low around 73. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. South wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

A recent report in Loudoun Now states Dominion and Loudoun County officials are working to solve an issue that has led to the power transmission problems.

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During the 29 drawings of the jackpot run that began in April and ended with Friday night’s $1 billion drawing, sales of Mega Millions tickets in Virginia generated an estimated $30.2 million in profit. By law, all of that profit goes to K-12 public education in the Commonwealth.

While the overall winning ticket was not sold in Virginia, in Friday night’s drawing alone, more than 405,000 Mega Millions tickets bought in Virginia won prizes. That includes four tickets that matched four of the first five numbers plus the Mega Ball number. Normally that wins $10,000, however, one of those players spent an extra dollar for the Megaplier when they bought the ticket. The Megaplier doubled that prize to $20,000.

The $20,000 winning ticket was bought online at valottery.com.

The three $10,000 winning tickets were bought at:

• 7-Eleven, 13821 Heathcote Blvd. in Gainesville
• Wawa, 510 West Shirley Ave. in Warrenton
• Sheetz, 15 Wyche Road in Stafford

Of those 405,000 winning tickets bought in Virginia for Friday night’s Mega Millions drawing, more than 64,000 were bought online at valottery.com.

The winning numbers in the Friday, July 29, drawing were 13-36-45-57-67, and the Mega Ball number was 14.

Mega Millions drawings are held Tuesday and Friday nights at 11 p.m. The odds of matching all six numbers to win the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350. The odds of winning any prize are 1 in 24. Prizes start at $2 and increase all the way to the jackpot.