Remarks to the Prince William Board of County Supervisors: March 8, 2022

My name is Bill Wright and I live in Gainesville.  I am here to speak out against the Prince William Digital Gateway. 

On March 3^rd, I attended a Community Engagement Meeting on the Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District Comprehensive Review.  Before going, I reviewed the project website and found a document listed under the heading of “Principles and Strategies”.  Its recommendations for data center siting were exceptionally thoughtful.  These included:

* Locate near existing infrastructure.

* Prioritize areas planned for, or adjacent to, compatible land uses.

* Minimize negative impact to environmentally sensitive areas.

* Minimize negative impact to public open space and recreational facilities.

* Minimize negative impact to historic and cultural resources.

When I got to the meeting, I asked County staff if these were the criteria for the existing overlay district and was told that they were the criteria being considered for the overlay district expansion.  Why then, I asked, does the concurrent proposal for the Prince William Digital Gateway violate the very principles the County planning staff is advocating?  The answer I received is that the Prince William Digital Gateway is considered a separate proposal.

What is so special about the Prince William Digital Gateway that would cause you to ignore the prudent recommendations of your own staff?  Is it because Pageland residents have told you they occasionally have to look both ways before pulling out of their driveways?  Is it because they are tired of looking at power lines that have been there for years?  Are those T-shirts really your justification for ripping up 2,133 acres between a national park and a state forest?  Or, more likely, is it because the County has surreptitiously cooked up a deal with a corporate marauder that spreads enough money around to justify the desecration and deceit?

This process should decide what is in the best interest of the entire County, not just a few landowners.  No one has a right to have their property rezoned simply because they have become disenchanted with what they bought or think they can cut a better deal for themselves.  The insincere concern I hear from our Pageland Lane neighbors about money for schools their children will no longer attend is simply conjured up justification for their eagerly anticipated big payday.  I doubt anyone sitting here is naïve enough to believe otherwise.

I have been chided for the pointed remarks I have made at these meetings.  I ask any impartial observer to judge which is the ruder behavior.  Vandalizing 2,133 acres at the behest of blatantly selfish interests or my mildly intemperate remarks?  My words may sting for a moment, but the damage you are advocating will last for eternity.  If there’s a more polite messenger who can get that through to you, please recommend them to me.

I have copies of the Planning Office recommendations for the Supervisors.