The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will decide on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, whether or not data centers belong near Prince William Forest Park, the largest natural protected area near Washington, D.C. The server farms would be built on the east/north side of Dumfries Road (Route 234), east of its intersection with Independent Hill Drive.
The plan to build a data center campus on the property stirred interest and controversy within the community. If approved, it would be the first major data center project east of Manassas.
In a recent public hearing held on February 7, 2024, the Planning Commission made a significant decision regarding the future of Parsons Business Park. The commission recommended the denial of the Proffer Amendment, signaling a setback for the proposed rezoning of 90 acres of land.
The Parsons Business Park had previously been dedicated to selling topsoil and plants. The rezoning request aimed to amend existing proffers, increase the maximum height of data center buildings, and alter the base zoning designation to accommodate business and industrial uses.
Despite the plans, the Planning Commission stood firm in its decision to deny the rezoning request.
Following the denial, the Applicant, Parsons Business Park, LLC, responded by proposing proffer amendments to address concerns raised during the public hearing. These amendments sought to mitigate building height issues, environmental impacts, and design elements.
Key updates to the proposal included:
- Clarification of buffer encroachments
- Implementation of a 150-foot data center building restriction line
- Reduction of building height to 85 feet in specific land bays
- Enhancement of stream buffer width from 25 to 50 feet
- Strengthening of provisions related to environmental impacts
- Addition of sustainability measures
The Board of County Supervisors will hold a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, at the McCoart County Government Center, 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge. Most of the county’s data center campuses are in the western areas, along Interstate 66 in Haymarket and Gainesville.
In December, Superviosrs approved the PW Digital Gateway, a soon-to-be sprawling data center complex on 900 acres next to Prince William County’s second National Park, the Manassas National Battlefield, site of the first major battle of the Civil War.
DeShundra Jefferson, chair of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, answered resident and media questions about housing, data centers, and the future of the county at the Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, town hall event.
Hosted by InsideNoVa, Jefferson took questions from members of the media and residents during the nearly hourlong virtual town hall event. Jefferson was sworn in as chair in January.
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Among its notable features, the project boasts a newly added right-turn lane along Joplin Road leading to northbound U.S. 1, alongside a realigned Fuller Heights Road intersection. This realignment facilitates north and southbound access through the incorporation of a roundabout at the intersection of Fuller Heights Road and Old Triangle Road.
Deshundra Jefferson, Chair At-Large of the Board of County Supervisors, expressed gratitude towards the various entities involved in making the project a reality. “You guys have really done an amazing job with this,” remarked Jefferson during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I’m proud to say that these road improvements are a significant step in moving Prince William towards our strategic goal by easing congestion and improving mobility in the Triangle area for residents, local businesses, and our military facilities.”
Andrea Bailey, Potomac District Supervisor, highlighted the project’s multifaceted approach toward enhancing the quality of life in the region. “This project is a small part of the work done and awaiting us to enhance the quality of life in this area,” stated Bailey. “We listened to the concerns of our residents regarding traffic on Joplin accessing Route 1 and I-95 to be safe during peak traffic hours and sharing the work of ensuring our county’s roadways are safe and relieved of traffic congestion.”
Monica Backmon, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), emphasized the significance of collaboration in project completion. “It is rare that a project, regardless of the scope and scale, gets done without several entities coming to the table, collaborating,” noted Backmon. “For the Authority’s part, it was bringing funding. We all collaborate; and not only does this project visualize or really bring to light the collaboration, improved accessibility, safety options, modal options, all of that that you get.”
Terry Yates, Northern Virginia Local Assistance Manager for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), echoed sentiments regarding the importance of collaboration. “People wonder why transportation projects take so long, and it’s just a tremendous amount of collaboration,” remarked Yates. “Years ago, it was mostly technical and engineering, and there are so many other aspects, multimodal, cultural, citizen buy-in, all these things must gel before a project comes together.”
The construction of the Homeless navigation center in the east of Prince William County moved a little closer on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, with a unanimous vote to approve a zoning map amendment to use five parcels of land owned by the county for the center’s construction.
The land near Potomac Mills mall contains the OmniRide transit center, the regional bus hub, and Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission offices. The north portion of these five parcels, fronting Potomac Mills Road, is the former site of the Bill Mehr Drop-In Center, which provides meals, showers, and opportunities to connect and interact socially. The drop-in center is temporarily located at the Ferlazzo Building, a county government office complex on Route 1 in Woodbridge.
The county plans to demolish the old drop-in shelter and its parking lot and construct a new homeless shelter.
The west and south portions of these five parcels contain the location of the OmniRide bus storage yard, maintenance building, and employee parking. In the southeast portion is the county-owned building and its associated parking, which is currently occupied and operated by
Social Services will remain.
This site already contains a one-story former shelter that will be demolished and replaced with a new structure. Eventually, all five parcels of land will be consolidated.
The Prince William County Planning Commission and staff have reviewed the proposal, and both favored and recommended its approval.
Prince William County Occoquan Supervisor Kenny Boddye thanked the planning department for their work and said the project “was long overdue and needs to be moving faster.”
Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega echoed those same thoughts but also wondered when proposals would be put forth for a homeless navigation center in the west of the County as outlined in the action strategy.
According to the county’s comprehensive plan, adopted December 13, 2022, the county plans to “open homeless navigation centers in eastern and western Prince William County to increase the County’s ability to respond to emergent needs of people experiencing homelessness.
Several homeless shelters assist individuals and families in need in Prince William County and Manassas.
The Bill Mehr Drop-In Center, located at 15941 Donald Curtis Drive, the Ferlazzo Building, in Woodbridge, offers meals, showers, and various support services to help with health, employment, education, and housing needs.
The Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center, at 14945 Jefferson Davis Highway in Woodbridge, provides a year-round shelter for families and single adults, offering case management and job readiness programs.
The Ferlazzo Emergency Shelter, also located at 15941 Donald Curtis Drive in Woodbridge, serves single adults with a focus on providing assistance to navigate the system and access support programs.
Additionally, the Beverly Warren Emergency Shelter, operated by Action in Community Through Services (ACTS) in Dumfries, offers an 18-bed shelter for women and families with housing-focused case management.
The SERVE Family Shelter, operated by Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) in Manassas, provides a 90-bed emergency shelter for families and single adults, focusing on housing-focused case management.
Finally, the Supportive Shelter, operated by StreetLight Community Outreach Ministries in Woodbridge, offers eight beds. It caters to individuals with medical challenges or disabilities, focusing on immediate needs and permanent housing solutions.
In September 2020, Prince William County officials tried to use federal coronavirus funds to establish a homeless shelter in Dumfries. However, County Supervisor Andrea Bailey, representing the Potomac District encompassing Dumfries, requested the town’s Planning Commission to remove a request for consideration for the project from its agenda to amend zoning ordinances to allow the homeless shelter in the town’s B1 zoning district.
The reason behind Bailey’s request remains undisclosed.
Discussion about the planned homeless shelter was also quashed at the Dumfries Town Council’s agenda. Negotiations had commenced with the owners of Grace Church, located at 1006 Williamstown Boulevard, for the potential purchase of the church to convert it into a shelter.
In the end, Grace Church purchased a property about a mile away, at the corner of Route 234 and Van Buren Road, and built a new facility. The building that was to become the homeless shelter now houses the Prince William Campus of Potomac Valley Church.
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The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors voted to reallocate nearly $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) coronavirus relief funds from CASA — a local organization that helps immigrants new to the U.S. following an audit of the county revealing improper expenditure (not affiliated with the local non-profit Court Appointed Special Advocates).
Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin sought a 90-day deferral, but the motion failed. Franklin pushed to give $2 million to CASA in 2022 to build an immigrant welcome center in Woodbridge.
According to information obtained by FOIA, the county hired RSM to audit CASA and found $306,000 in expenditures submitted by CASA for reimbursement; $ 197,000, or 64% of the expenditures, was deemed unallowable by RSM. The specific details of the testing, findings, and observations were communicated to CASA leadership by the County in August 2023 and February 2024.
Due to challenges in adhering to required procurement guidelines and a slow rate of providing eligible expenditures, with only approximately $109,000 expended out of nearly 20 months since July 2022, the recommendation is to reallocate $1.5 million of the CASA allocation to other pressing, ARPA-eligible programs, projects, and services.
Franklin motioned to defer the reallocation to allow CASA and county staff time to address concerns. However, Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Weir opposed the motion, highlighting the urgent need to comply with federal guidelines and deadlines for fund allocation. Ultimately, the motion failed with a vote of 2-5, leading to further discussions on fund reallocation.
Subsequently, Franklin proposed an amendment to allow CASA to retain $800,000 of the funds, citing an updated plan submitted by the organization. However, concerns were raised regarding the eligibility of specific organizations to receive funds directly. County Executive Christopher Shorter clarified the process, indicating that funds were distributed through the Northern Virginia Food Rescue to maximize impact and adherence to federal guidelines.
Amid deliberations, Gainesville District Supervisor Weir proposed a revised motion that won the day: Reallocate about $2 million, providing $190,000 to the Northern Virginia Food Rescue for food distribution and related administrative costs, allocating $100,000 for the community to purchase additional food inventory for community feeding, and supporting the Community Safety Initiative with $270,400 for the development of community-centric safety strategies.
Additionally, $100,000 is allocated to the Human Services Alliance of Prince William County, emphasizing community violence prevention and intervention. The motion also involves transferring and budgeting an additional $1.4 million to the Capital Projects Fund for additional costs associated with the courthouse renovation project in Manassas.
Franklin, and Neabsco Distirct Supervisor Victor Angry voted no.
Several CASA members sat in the Board Chambers as the elected officials deliberated. “I would simply say, reach out to our offices and please come by and have conversations of where we go from here,” said Franklin before they exited the room.
Margaret Franklin received $5,125 from CASA and seeks the Democratic Party nomination for Congress in Virginia’s 7th District. Virginia’s 7th District, including eastern Prince William County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg City, King George, Caroline, Culpeper, Madison, Greene, and Orange counties. The seat is held by Abigail Spanberger (D), who is instead running to replace Glenn Youngkin as Virginia Governor in 2025.
Newly-seated At-large Chair DeShundra Jefferson said her vote to reallocate the funding was not a political decision. “This is a policy vote, it is not a political vote. And I have tried very hard to keep politics out of the board chambers. I respect the work that Casa is doing, and I respect your mission,” said Jefferson. “However, I will be voting to reallocate the money simply because I have concerns about the timeframe. Again, this is not how I want to start a relationship, but we will continue to work together.”
“I support CASA. I’m proud to have the welcome center in my district, and I’m proud of the work that CASA does for our community. Again, as was said before, these are federal dollars that have very specific uses for them,” said Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye, who collected $55,794 in campaign donations from the organization.
CASA has provided campaign donations to only progressive Democrats in state and local politics in Virginia. Tuesday’s vote comes amid a history of tension between CASA and certain board members, stemming from contentious issues such as immigration policies.
On June 16, 2020, a Board of County Supervisors meeting was notably disrupted by CASA members, marking a significant moment of tension between the organization and Republican board members, including Supervisor Yesli Vega and former Supervisor Jeanine Lawson. CASA members said Vega — the first elected Hispanic member of the county board — “is the devil,” and told her “zip your mouth,” following Vega’s support for the federal 287(g) program at the county jail that had been used to identify illegal aliens charged with a crime.
Prince William County has announced its proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025, totaling $1.77 billion.
The average residential property tax bill in Prince William County for FY2025 is projected to be $5,098, a $243 increase, up five percent from the previous year. The budget keeps the real estate tax rate steady at $0.966 per $100 assessed property value.
This figure represents the financial obligation of homeowners within the county, encompassing the costs associated with various county services and infrastructure projects, as outlined in the proposed budget.
It focuses on critical areas, including the implementation of collective bargaining agreements, the progression of capital projects, and enhancing the efficiency of service delivery across the county.
Key highlights include a substantial increase in school funding, with a transfer of $887.2 million, representing a 10.1% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the budget addresses the need for more public safety personnel and infrastructure improvements.
This financial plan seeks to balance responsible fiscal management and the need for ongoing community and economic development, ensuring the provision of essential services without raising the general tax rate.
Prince William County Executive Christopher Shorter is expected to present his proposed budget to the Board of County Supervisors at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, during a public meeting at the McCoart County Government Center, 1 County Complex Court in Woodbridge.
Over the following months, the Board will engage in work sessions and public hearings to gather input on the proposed budget before its adoption on April 23. Noteworthy events in the budget calendar include a virtual community meeting on Feb. 24, where residents can ask questions about the proposed CIP and budget, and a public hearing on the proposed budget on March 19.
Additionally, the Prince William County School Board will present its proposed budget on April 2 through the revenue sharing agreement, where the county provides 57.23 percent of general fund revenue to the schools.
Throughout the process, the public is encouraged to participate by attending meetings, asking questions through the interactive Budget Q&A platform, or contacting their district supervisor.
The budget adoption is slated for April 23, with all meetings held at the Board Chambers in the McCoart Administration Building in Woodbridge, starting at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise specified.
The Prince William County Government is reconsidering the allocation of $2 million in federal coronavirus relief funds. This reevaluation follows concerns over the initial decision to allocate these funds to CASA. This nonprofit organization supports working-class communities (not affiliated with the local Court Appointed Special Advocates). The funds were intended to construct an immigrant welcome center in Prince William County.
Details of the proposed reallocation include:
- Allocating an additional $190,000 to the Northern Virginia Food Rescue for food distribution and administrative costs.
- Setting aside $60,000 for the County to enhance food inventory for community feeding programs.
- Directing $270,400 towards the development of strategies for community safety, with a focus on violence prevention and intervention.
- Reassigning $1,466,592 to cover extra costs associated with the Judicial Center Renovation project.
Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin, who played a key role in the original allocation to CASA on June 7, 2022, has been a vocal advocate for utilizing the county’s $90 million in ARPA funds for a variety of community benefits, including support for Latino broadcasting and the Capital Area Food Bank in Lorton.
However, following a county audit that allegedly revealed mismanagement of the allocated funds by CASA, there is now a resolution to retrieve these funds. Despite the lack of public documentation detailing the audit’s findings, sources close to the matter suggest County Executive Christopher Shorter aimed to protect CASA’s reputation by not mentioning its name in the related February 20, 2024, agenda item.
Responding to these allegations, CASA’s Executive Director, Gustavo Torres, told Insidenova.com the organization has a history of responsible financial management, as evidenced by annual independent audits.
The discussion around fund allocation has been contentious. On June 16, 2020, a Board of County Supervisors meeting was notably disrupted by CASA members, marking a significant moment of tension between the organization and Republican board members, including Supervisor Yesli Vega and former Supervisor Jeanine Lawson.
CASA members said Vega — the first elected Hispanic member of the county board — “is the devil,” and told her “zip your mouth,” following Vega’s support for the federal 287(g) program at the county jail that had been used to identify illegal aliens charged with a crime.
CASA’s actions during this period have influenced perceptions of its relationship with local government and its impact on community politics. The organization consistently donates to the campaigns of progressive Democrats.
Campaign donations from CASA to state and local politicians include significant contributions to figures such as former Attorney General Mark Herring ($291,667) and former Gov. Ralph Northam ($82,950) at the state level, with Prince William County politicians like Jennifer Carroll Foy ($275,804 across various campaigns) and Elizabeth Guzman ($264,935 across campaigns) also benefiting.
Margaret Franklin, who received $5,125 from CASA, seeks the Democratic Party nomination for Congress in Virginia’s 7th District. Virginia’s 7th District, including eastern Prince William County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg City, King George, Caroline, Culpeper, Madison, Greene, and Orange counties.
As the debate over the allocation of these federal funds continues, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors plans to address the issue at their meeting on February 20, 2024, at the county government center in Woodbridge.
State Level campaign donations from CASA since 2019
- Mark Herring, former Virginia Attorney General: $291,667
- Ralph Northam, former Virginia Governor: $82,950
Prince William County campaign donations from CASA since 2019
- Carroll Foy for Governor – Jennifer: $170,383
- Carroll Foy for Senate – Jennifer: $53,656
- Carroll Foy for Delegate – Jennifer: $51,765
- Elizabeth Guzman for Delegate: $148,318
- Elizabeth Guzman for Senate: $115,617
- Josh King for Prince William County Sheriff – Joshua: $71,255
- Danica Roem for Senate – Danica: $57,753
- Kenny Boddye for Prince William County Board of Supervisors: $55,794
- Briana Sewell for Delegate: $52,340
- Candi King for Delegate: $17,556
- Josh Thomas for Delegate: $12,203
- Deshundra Jefferson for Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman: $11,904
- Michelle Maldonado for Delegate: $5,713
- Margaret Franklin for Prince William County Board of Supervisors: $5,125
- Andrea Bailey for Prince William Supervisor: $3,540
- Victor Angry for Prince William County Supervisor: $1,450
Fredericksburg and Stafford County area campaign donations from CASA since 2019
- Joel Griffin for State Senate: $102,109
- Joshua Cole for Delegate: $17,660
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"We're looking to expand our EV charging capabilities significantly," Canizales stated. "This initiative not only supports our commitment to environmental sustainability but also anticipates the future needs of our community."
Despite the county's forward-thinking approach, the decision has sparked debate among residents over the financing of the project. Karl Greten, a resident of the Gainesville District, voiced strong opposition to using taxpayer dollars for the installation of EV charging stations.
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![Sgt. Byron Jenkins and Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson pictured in the center. [Photo: Prince William County Government]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Jenkins_jefferosn.jpg)
At the recent Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting on February 6, 2024, the Prince William County Police Department received recognition for its Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accreditation. Chief of Police Peter Newsham expressed gratitude for the honor, highlighting the significance of the department’s continuous commitment to excellence since 1987.
“This accreditation is just a symbol of that,” Chief Newsham remarked, emphasizing the department’s dedication to promoting progressive community engagement strategies, utilizing data for management decisions, and setting leadership benchmarks among peer agencies.
Newsham then invited Sergeant Byron Jenkins to speak, who proceeded to announce his retirement after 28 years of law enforcement work. Jenkins reflected on the department’s achievements and the significance of February, Black History Month. He commended the efforts of the county’s Black History Month committee and underscored this year’s theme, which focused on African Americans in the arts.
“The new Negro movement promoted racial pride, cultural self-expression, economic independence, and progressive politics,” Sergeant Jenkins stated, highlighting what he called the ongoing relevance of reclaiming identity and combating derogatory stereotypes.
Jenkins drew attention to the nature of racial tropes and stereotypes, emphasizing the need to challenge and eradicate language and imagery that perpetuate harmful narratives. From derogatory terms to outdated caricatures, he underscored the damaging effects of such representations and called for a concerted effort to promote inclusivity and understanding.
“We must challenge and eradicate language and imagery that perpetuate harmful racial tropes and stereotypes. From derogatory terms to outdated caricatures, these representations have deep-rooted consequences and hinder our progress towards true equality and understanding,” continued Jenkins.
Chair At-large Deshundra Jefferson, the first black person to serve in the role, echoed the sentiment of appreciation for CALEA’s accreditation process, emphasizing its role in elevating professionalism, accountability, and transparency within law enforcement agencies. She extended commendations to key individuals navigating the reaccreditation process, ensuring the department’s adherence to rigorous standards of excellence.
Prince William police patrol Virginia’s second-largest jurisdiction, with a sworn complement of more than 700 officers when fully staffed. Over the years, the department has achieved a 96% citizen satisfaction rate, according to county surveys.
