Coraggio Consulting Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Place: Prince William County Board of County Supervisors, Virginia Length: 9h 13m (video) Official meeting video (Prince William County, Granicus): https://pwcgov.granicus.com/player/clip/3685 Official Board of County Supervisors page (Prince William County): https://www.pwcva.gov/department/board-county-supervisors Machine transcript (speech-to-text) produced by Coraggio Consulting. Not an official county record. Names and numbers may be misspelled; check the video at the timestamp before quoting. Speech-to-text: whisper.cpp, model large-v3-turbo. Produced 2026-10-29. Timestamps are [HH:MM:SS] into the meeting video. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [00:53:58] the atrium it is 203 and today is september 9th thank you everyone from coming we have a full house we are going to begin with a moment of silence all right thank you if you are able please rise [00:54:31] for the pledge of allegiance all right we are going to move into agenda item number three and that's approval of the minutes can i get a motion for 3a and 3b so move madam chair second so it's [00:55:03] been properly moved and seconded let's go ahead and take a vote supervisor vega absent from vote all right we are going to go into agenda item number four and that's commendations and proclamations before we get started i would like to recognize um we have some folks from the hay [00:55:37] market town council if you can stand up thank you so very much joe passanello and tracy lynn i'm so sorry thank you um thank you so very much and they are going to be joining us for number 4a we have a lot of commendations and proclamations to get through today which is hard because i love seeing the board chambers full and i know that once we're done we're going to have it's going be half empty again for a little while um but what we're going to do we are going to take a vote on this and when i go down we're going to have everyone associated with the proclamation commendation i'm going to call you up you're going to come up i'll say a few words you'll say a few [00:56:14] words we're going to hold all photos at the end it's going to be kind of like an assembly line practice or you know process we've done it once before it works all right so with that may i get a motion for the move forward with 4A to 4P. So moved, Madam Chair. Second. All right, let's go ahead and take a vote. Oh, wait, hold on. I see Supervisor Franklin. Yeah, I just want to thank you for all the proclamations. I just want to just kind of touch a little bit on the suicide prevention. Very important. A lot of people have been touched by this very issue. I won't go into details, but very important to me as well. So thank you. [00:56:54] Supervisor Bailey. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Just want to make mention and congratulate those that are going to get the commendation for the Dumfries Trailblazer, John Wilmer Porter, and family. Welcome. Thank you for your history. Thank you for your contributions to our community and well-deserved. [00:57:13] Thank you. All right. Thank you. Let's go ahead and take our vote. Vote unanimous. Supervisor Vega absent from vote. All right. Thank you very much. So for 4A, if we can have everyone associated with that, Supervisor Angry, if you can join me down at the podium. [00:57:34] And for 4D, Supervisor Franklin, if you can join me for that item, as well as 4H. Thank you. [00:57:59] I don't do this often. [00:58:28] Good afternoon. We're here to present a commendation on behalf of Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Ware. Oh, this is my read? Okay. We have an empty seat on the desk due to the passing of Gainesville Supervisor Bob Ware. He's a Haymarket Town Council member from 2004 to 2010 and again from 2020 to 2023. [00:58:51] As a Haymarket Planning Commissioner for several years and since February 2023 until his death as Supervisor Bob for the Gainesville District of the Prince William, excuse me, on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. He also held several other leadership roles in our community over the years. [00:59:08] Supervisor Bob served with honor, integrity, and unparalleled commitment to his constituents. His passion was with encouraging and empowering the residents of Prince William County to always demand from their elected officials fiscal responsibility and transparency, strict adherence to adopted policies and state-mandated procedures, awareness that we must never stop improving the quality of public education, and always make public safety a top priority. [00:59:36] We know that his death leads a huge hole to fill, not just for the community, but his family. Bob Weir and his wife of 34 years, Diane, raised three children, Sam, Michael, and Megan, in the town of Haymarket in the Gainesville District. Today, with a profound sense of sadness, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors hereby commends and thanks Supervisor Weir and his family for the extensive time he dedicated to public service to the town of Haymarket, the Gainesville District, and Prince William County. [01:00:06] On behalf of the Weir family, I would like to thank the Board of County Supervisors for bestowing this honor upon Bob. [01:00:26] On a personal note from the office, I would like to thank those board members and their staffs that have reached out to be of immense help to me and my staff the past few weeks. I'd like to do a special thanks to Kelly Easterly, who has been my rock these past few weeks. [01:00:48] Anytime I've asked for help, she's literally cut me off, finished my sentence, and told me, done. So, but again, on behalf of the family, thank you so much. Good afternoon, everyone. Joe Passanello, Town of Haymarket Councilman. Thank you, Chair, Mr. Angry, Board. [01:01:15] You know, Bob was very special to us. He was our hometown board, and we're really going to miss him. One of the things that struck me about Bob, and I'll be very brief because you've got a very busy agenda, was that he was very, very curious about everything, and he was also skeptical at the same time. [01:01:36] I think the county attorney would agree with that. I see some nods up here. And so as you move forward with your business, be curious, be skeptical, respect the fact that Bob helped us all in this county. There's a big hole in this county. I have to tell you, not just the town, not just the district, but there's a really big hole for this county. Somebody with his expertise on land use and legislative issues, we're really going to miss him. So on behalf of all of us at the town of Haymarket, I want to thank you very much for honoring Bob today and [01:02:14] to continue to work his legacy by being curious and being skeptical but also getting to yes thank you very much all right i would like to invite everyone who is associated with 4b and that's [01:02:38] retired assistant chief lance e mcclintock throughout assistant chief lance e mcclintock's 30-year career with the prince william county department of fire and rescue he served in numerous roles including being the only chief assistant to this date who has led all three sections of the department and that is operations, system support, and community safety. Chief McClintock [01:03:14] served in multiple stations and staff assignments throughout the county and contributed to help shape and improve the department and the fire and rescue system as well as the greater fire and rescue community in northern Virginia and the commonwealth. After having been first hired by the department in October 1994, Chief McClintock was promoted to technician two in 1996 and continued to rise throughout the ranks serving as a captain in the department's personnel often office and as a battalion chief before being promoted to the rank of assistant chief in december 2011 his unwavering dedication and commitment to service have left a lasting impact [01:03:53] on the department of fire and rescue and the residents of prince william county sadly chief mcclintock passed away on may 14th 2025 surrounded by family after a battle with occupational cancer He is survived by his daughter, Katie, and sons, Peyton and Carson. [01:04:11] Today, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors posthumously commends Assistant Chief Lance E. McClintock for 30 years of dedicated service to the community as a member of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue. Does anyone have any comments? [01:04:30] Good morning. Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Board. I just want to convey the entire department's thanks. I didn't get to work with Chief McClintock very long, but his advice was welcome and sage. I'm sorry that our cancer screening efforts weren't soon enough for Lance, but I know he drives much of our cancer risk reduction efforts. [01:04:54] And his son, Peyton, is with us, and I'd just like to ask Peyton to touch base with y'all real quick. Thank you, Chief. On behalf of the entire McClintock family, I'd like to thank the board for this commendation, as well as the Department of Fire Rescue for the continued recognition and support through this tough time. [01:05:19] Thank you very much. All right, everyone may have a seat. We are going to go now to 4C, and that's for retired Major Kevin Hugart. [01:05:37] Everyone associated with that, please come forward. [01:05:49] Major Kevin L. Hugart retired from the police department on May 1, 2025 after 36 years of service to the community. [01:06:17] He served in numerous assignments, including operations, criminal investigations, and the office of the chief. His dedication and commitment to service have left a lasting impact on the police department and the residents of Prince William County. Major Hegart was hired by the Prince William County Department of Police Department in December 1989 after having served in the United States Army for four years, where he had risen to the rank of corporal. [01:06:45] He was first promoted to sergeant in 1998 and continued to rise in the ranks, serving as the Eastern District Commander before being promoted to the rank of major in January 2014. Major Hugard served on several specialty teams throughout his career, including the Honor Guard and the Search and Rescue Team, and contributed to help shape and improve the agency on countless internal committees. [01:07:08] Major Hugard passed on July 23rd, surrounded by family, after a brief battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Robin, and sons, Ethan and Alec. Today, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors hereby posthumously commends retired Major Kevin L. Hugard for 36 years of dedicated service to the community as a member of the Prince William County Police Department. [01:07:37] Would you like to offer some remarks? Thank you, Chair Jefferson, members of the board. I'm Pete Newsham, Chief of Police for Prince William County Police Department. Kevin Lee Hugart passed away in July of 2025 at home, surrounded by his family. [01:07:53] Kevin was born November 24, 1967, in Indiana. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Myers with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as the Old Guard. And I can tell you, Kevin was extremely proud of that service. [01:08:14] On December 29th, 1989, he started his career with the Prince William County Police Department, rising through the ranks to major, serving as an assistant chief over operations, criminal investigations, and support services. When Kevin learned of his illness last spring, he decided to retire on May 1st, 2025, with almost 36 years of service to our community. [01:08:36] Kevin was proud of his life service, and we were equally proud of him. I was always so incredibly impressed with his dedication, his professionalism, and his tireless work ethic. He was an exceptional leader. [01:08:53] He was always available, and I can tell you he was always available because we talked late night multiple times, and anyone who knew him knew that he loved this work and he loved this agency. You know what? This is not the only place where Kevin excelled in his life. He was a devoted and loving husband to Robin, who's with us, his wife of 35 years. They had a relationship that we all would be envious of. He was a loving, supportive, and caring father of his two sons, Alec and Ethan. [01:09:29] I can tell you in my personal conversations with Kevin, he could not be more proud of you, not only because you're Prince William County police officers, but he was proud of you as his sons. Kevin was also an exceptional grandfather. Unfortunately, his three-week-old granddaughter, he never got to meet, but he was a loving and devoted grandfather, and he was an exceptional friend to many. [01:10:01] So not only was Kevin a good cop, but he was a committed and devoted family man. Kevin's passing has left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled, and he will continually be missed. I want to sincerely thank the chair and the Board of County Supervisors for recognizing his service, and I'd like to ask his wife, Robin, to come up and say a few words. [01:10:26] I just want to thank you guys for recognizing what I have always known. [01:10:42] He spent his life in service to this county and this country, and we do appreciate this very much. Thank you very much. [01:11:16] I've got to say with the first three, we've had some really wonderful people who've participated and contributed to our community. I'd like to move on to 4D, Supervisor Franklin, and everyone associated with John Wilmer Porter. [01:11:32] If you can come to the front. [01:11:49] Good afternoon. I just want to take this time to commend a trailblazer. This is really for the entire Porter family. We'll hear some remarks very shortly. [01:12:07] But I want to start with John Wilmore Porter was born October 12, 1915, and was raised in the Bates Town neighborhood of Dumfries, attended the Cabin Branch School, and was hired at a local car dealership and became skilled in auto body repair. [01:12:24] In 1945, after a wartime job with the Navy and his marriage to Mary Glaze, he opened and ran his own auto repair shop in Dumfries for 35 years as a successful business enterprise. In 1962, John was elected to the Dumfries Town Council, the first black person voted to a municipal governing board in Virginia since Reconstruction. He also served this 19 years with honesty, integrity, and compassion until his retirement in 1980, alongside his son-in-law Clyde Washington succeeding him in serving for 28 years continuing the family legacy. John earned [01:13:03] the respect of the entire community which continued long after his death on April 24th 2001 at the age of 85. Today the Prince William County Board of Supervisors hereby commends John Wilmore Porter and his entire family for their continued dedication and service to the entire Prince william county community and would love to hear a few words if possible curtis porter couldn't be here but he was told to keep it to under two minutes because as you know curtis can can talk [01:13:35] about the entire family legacy which we love to hear here in prince william county so yes and he passed the word on to me because in our family curtis and i are the talkers we like to say we've never seen a mic that we didn't like. But tonight, I'm going to be very brief. I want to thank all of the Board of Supervisors. I want to thank all of you for honoring my dad. He's received numerous honors. We like to say that he was a man ahead of his times. And there are a lot of [01:14:11] things that he's done, and he's done a good job of passing those things on to his family members. So on behalf of my sister and I and all of the Porter family, we would like to thank you for honoring him again. Thank you. [01:14:35] All right, we are now on to 4E for Dale City Church of Christ. [01:14:56] Thank you, everyone, for coming out. [01:15:20] In 1970, the Church of Christ Dale City started when the King and Stringer families began meeting at the Stringers' home on Cloverdale Road in Dale City for midweek Bible study and Sunday worship. And on August 1st, 1973, the growing congregation completed the construction of their new church building on the two-acre lot at 13130 Hillendale Drive that they purchased earlier that year. [01:15:48] This year, from September 12th to 14th, 2025, the Dale City Church of Christ will celebrate 55 years of service to God, its congregation, and Prince William County, with congregants hailing from at least 17 different countries and territories. [01:16:08] Their kind, selfless, and inclusive acts of service and advocacy include dozens of community service projects and other activities throughout Prince William County. And the church also helps people in places such as Nigeria, Ohio, Fowler, California, and the work of the Reconciling Ministries in Texas. [01:16:30] Therefore, today, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors hereby commends the Dale City Church of Christ, its leadership, and its congregants for 55 years of service to the Prince William County community. Would someone from the church like to say something? Thank you, Chair Jefferson. First of all, I want to say what a blessing it is to be joined together with many people who are being recognized today as such a heartwarming occasion. [01:16:58] On behalf of the Dale City Church of Christ to Chair Jefferson and the Board of County Supervisors, the Dale City Church of Christ would like to express our sincere gratitude for recognizing the presence and impact of the Dale City Church in Prince William County for the last 55 years. [01:17:15] As believers in God, we believe that our duty is to serve God, but also to serve our fellow man as well. And so we are committed to continuing to serve in a way that would build this community and also to stand in solidarity with the citizenry of Prince William County as we seek to build this blessed community. [01:17:36] We thank you for the opportunity and we pray that God would bless each and every one of you as well. We want to take the opportunity to invite you to our celebration this weekend. We've left brochures with Virginia Douglas as well, as we celebrate 55 years of God's blessing in this community. [01:18:04] All right, if you're here for 4F, and that is sickle cell awareness, but please come to the front. [01:18:26] Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder in which red blood cells become crescent-shaped, blocking blood flow and depriving vital organs of oxygen, leading to chronic complications such as stroke, infections, pulmonary embolism, and reduced life expectancy. [01:18:54] Sickle cell disease is a lifelong condition, typically diagnosed at birth, with approximately 2,000 babies in the United States born with sickle cell disease each year. Sickle cell disease affects millions worldwide, with a higher prevalence among individuals of African, Indian, Middle Eastern, and South American descent. [01:19:15] In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 100,000 Americans live with sickle cell disease, and 1 in 13 African American babies are born with the sickle cell trait. Today, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors hereby proclaims September 2025 as Sickle Cell Awareness Month in Prince William County, urging all residents to educate themselves, support affected individuals and their families, advocate for improved care, research, and equitable access to treatment. [01:19:45] Would anyone like to say something? Thank you, Chair Jefferson and the rest of the board. I am Melanie Pearson Hurley, president of the Heart of Gold Sickle Cell Foundation of Northern Virginia. [01:20:02] With me are a few of our community partners from University of Virginia Community Health, ANOVA, Prince William Alumni Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, and Top Ladies of Distinction Incorporated Haymarket Gainesville Chapter. [01:20:19] I became an advocate 14 years ago because my niece, Clarissa Pearson, lived with sickle cell disease and founded the Heart of Gold. Sadly, she passed away in 2021, just days before her 42nd birthday. [01:20:35] We carry forth her vision to support families, raise awareness, and work toward ending sickle cell disease through education, genetic testing, and unity. Too many in this county still suffer simply because they don't know about resources available in their community. [01:20:55] This county has a deep commitment to serving its diverse population. Today, we ask you to continue that tradition by encouraging county agencies to display educational materials in public spaces, share awareness messages through outlets like your government cable channel, Office of Public Affairs and social media, and partner with the Heart of Gold and our community allies to connect residents and resources. [01:21:22] Finally, we invite you to join us and our partners at the ANOVA Sickle Cell Town Hall meeting on September 25th at the ANOVA Center for Personalized Health. It will be an opportunity to meet families, hear their stories, and learn more about the importance of knowing your sickle cell trait at any age. [01:21:43] Together, Prince William County can be a model, showing what it means not to only raise awareness, but to stand with sickle cell families and help change the future for generations to come. And just a point of personal privilege, my sister Valerie and I are Prince William County natives and direct descendants of the Chin family. [01:22:04] So thank you very much. And we will take a photo later. Thank you. All right. We are on to 4G. [01:22:20] And everyone associated with African Despora Heritage Month, please come over. [01:22:43] Thank you so very much. [01:23:05] Communities across the United States celebrate African Despora Heritage Month each September with program ceremonies and cultural activities, including panel discussions with distinguished guests. Members of the African Diaspora contribute significantly to the economic growth, prosperity, and innovation of Prince William County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States. [01:23:26] And we honor this vibrant and growing community. Prince William County remains committed to celebrating the achievements of the African diaspora and fostering partnerships between U.S. and African companies. Therefore, today the Prince William Board of County Supervisors hereby proclaims September 2025 as African Diaspora Heritage Month in Prince William County. [01:23:49] Would anyone like to share any remarks? On behalf of the African Diaspora, I want to thank you, to thank Chair Jefferson and the Board of County Supervisors for this meaningful recognition of African Diaspora Month. [01:24:18] This proclamation is not only an honor, but also a reminder of the vital contributions African and the African diaspora make to the cultural, economic, and civic life of Prince William Coney and beyond. [01:24:39] We are proud to stand with our brothers and sisters across the African diaspora in celebrating our shared heritage, resilience, and commitment to building stronger communities. [01:24:56] May this recognition inspire us all to continue working together in unity with pride in our roots and hope for the future. Thank you. I'll give you this, and we'll take a photo later. [01:25:21] We're down to 4-H, and that's the proclaimed September 2025 is Historically Black Colleges and Universities Awareness Month. Supervisor, you want to come down? Supervisor Franklin is a, earned her graduate degree from Howard University. [01:25:42] You want to read this one? Yes, good. [01:26:13] I'm trying to get out of reading so much, because I feel like I'm talking too much. Since 1837, for nearly 190 years, historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, have delivered a quality education to black and other students across the United States. [01:26:31] 107 HBUs, the 107, are centers of academic excellence and engines of economic opportunity, making our country more prosperous economically and intellectually. While less than 3% of our country's four-year nonprofit colleges and universities, HBCUs enroll 10% of black undergraduate students and produce 20% of all bachelor degrees earned by black students. [01:26:59] HBCUs educate twice as many Pell Grant eligible students as other institutions, and 80% of black judges, 50% of black lawyers, 40% of black engineers, and 12.5% of black CEOs and 70% of black doctors and dentists in the United States attended HBCUs. [01:27:17] Today, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors hereby proclaim September 2025 is Historically Black Colleges and Universities Awareness Month to celebrate the incredible legacy of these institutions. Would anyone like to share some remarks? Thank you so much. [01:27:38] I'm Brittany Stith-French. I'm the chair of the Virginia State University Foundation. And I want to thank you for recognizing historically black colleges. They play a critical role in sustaining our society and our culture. Many black families are raised out of poverty because they were allowed to attend an HBCU. [01:27:58] Our history is rich in values, culture, and love. Thank you for recognizing our value. Good afternoon, everyone. I am here representing Morgan State University from Baltimore, Maryland. [01:28:19] We have a local chapter here in northern Virginia, and as if you do not know, Morgan State is considered a national treasure because of the number of HBCU graduates that we have and the type of education that we offer for students of all races. [01:28:40] We are, in Prince William County, we do a lot with the college fairs, and we encourage students through scholarships and service to the community. We appreciate this award very much, and thank you for having us. And we ask that everyone stick around, because we're going to have photos. [01:29:02] And if anyone else wants a proclamation, we will have, I'll have you go to my chief of staff, and we'll get some printed and signed. Thank you. All right, next, we're going to move on to 4I, and that's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. [01:29:54] Despite extraordinary advances in science made in recent years, cancer remains the most common cause of death by disease for children in the United States, with an estimated of over 15,000 children, one in 285 diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday. [01:30:10] While survival rates for many types of childhood cancer have improved, for far too many, cancer will ultimately shorten their lives compared to their peers who did not have childhood cancer. A growing number of childhood cancer patients are experiencing longer life expectancies yet face significant challenges for significant long-term physical, emotional, and cognitive effects due to their cancer and treatment. Therefore, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors hereby proclaims the month of September 2025 to be Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and commits to support the Prince William Health District and local medical facilities in their fight against childhood cancer. [01:30:49] It's imperative that we remain committed in this fight so that more children have a chance to live long and healthy lives. Would anyone like to offer any remarks? Thank you, Chair Jefferson and members of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors. [01:31:11] This is a unique experience. Your child has cancer. Four words that no parent ever wants to hear. And this journey takes a village. It's not just the family unit that's affected. It's the entire family, it's the community, and it's across the world. [01:31:29] It does not discriminate against anybody. This is not a result of poor life choices, bad decisions, what you did or did not give your child. This is just simply a result of poor chances. And unfortunately, funding is very low for childhood cancer. [01:31:47] For research purposes, only 4% is given to childhood cancer research. So knowing the symptoms is very important because the sooner that you can identify, the sooner that you can get treatment. Unfortunately, that was not our case, and my son was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer back in January. [01:32:08] And once cancer is defeated, it's a lifelong process. There's side effects to every treatment received, and one of those side effects is cancer. So unfortunately, once you hear those words, you've defeated cancer, it's not over. [01:32:24] The fight is not done. But because of that, because of the funding, because of the community awareness, we have made long strides. And I also think my son would like to have a few words. Because of Jesus, I defeated cancer. [01:32:44] And so he's one of those children that, you know, chemotherapy did not work and had to go through a trial, which was offered only as a result of the community awareness and the outreach. [01:33:05] So thank you guys for this opportunity and bringing awareness to childhood cancer. Hello, I'm Missy Alexander, and I want to thank you all again for acknowledging Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. [01:33:23] My daughter and I, we were here several years ago when you acknowledged, so we appreciate what you do for us every day. My daughter, Julia Alexander, was diagnosed with a grade 2 ependymoma brain tumor on December 14, 2014. [01:33:42] And she was just eight and a half years old. And, you know, we went into a Nova Children's Hospital, and they weren't optimistic. But by the grace of God, she survived. And also she survived because of pediatric cancer research. [01:34:02] And we, you know, I can't stress enough how important it is. If you want to support children with childhood cancer, donate, speak up, talk to your congressmen and women or people and ask them to make sure that they support NIH and childhood cancer research. [01:34:26] Because of that research and the man upstairs, Julia was not able to be here because she's a sophomore at George Mason University. thank you so much all right we're going to take pictures after everything is done and i have again additional proclamations and such i'll give this to you for safety all right everyone associated [01:34:58] with 4j and that's suicide prevention month please come to the front in the u.s suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 14 and the third leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 24, and the 12th leading cause of death overall. In 2023, more than 49,000 people [01:35:31] died by suicide in the United States. Sadly, that's one death every 11 minutes. From 2018 to 2022, an average of just over 1,100 Virginians died by suicide each year, with an average of 7.6 deaths deaths per 100,000 people. Nearly 80% of all people who died by suicide in the United States are male. 46% of people who died by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition and 90% of people who died by suicide may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition according [01:36:08] to interviews with family, friends, and medical professionals. We recognize suicide as a public health problem and that we must continue to develop and implement strategies to improve and increase access to quality mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention services and programs. [01:36:25] Therefore, today, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors hereby proclaims the month of September 2025 to be Suicide Prevention Month and encourages the residents of Prince William County to build awareness and knowledge about warning signs and available resources to prevent suicide. Would anyone like to say anything? [01:36:44] Yes, hi, my name is Wendy Hunt, and I'm on behalf of Prince William Community Services in the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia. I want to say thank you for recognizing this as Suicide Prevention Month. We work really hard at community services to not only provide treatment and recovery services to those that are impacted, but also to provide outreach and education to increase the awareness within the community of what resources are available, but also the training and the education that they need to help safeguard their home. [01:37:13] Everything from a QPR training, which teaches people to recognize signs that a loved one might be thinking about suicide or experiencing that thoughts and how to encourage them to get linked up to help to safety resources such as free firearm locks and medication locking devices to help safeguard homes to really build healthier communities and stronger community of network. So within this month we have trainings all month long. I encourage you to look onto the county website under the events tab and find what we have to offer. We'd be happy to help build that up, and we can offer in English and Spanish to build that bridge to more communities is where [01:37:51] we can. Thank you. Thank you. I thought I was making a dent, but we still have quite a few more. [01:38:09] All right. We've got 4K, and that's Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. If those associated with this can come on down. I love it when we have people who are doing two or three of these. [01:38:38] Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among men behind only lung cancer. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, and about one in 44 men will die from it. According to a 2024 American Cancer Society report, 102.1 in 100,000 men in Virginia will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with more than 9,000 diagnosed annually. Education regarding prostate cancer and early detection strategies is critical to saving lives and preventing and protecting our [01:39:14] families. Because all men are at risk for prostate cancer, we encourage the residents of Prince William County to increase the importance of prostate screenings. Therefore, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors hereby proclaims the month of September 2025 to be Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Prince William County. Would anyone like to offer any remarks? I'll just give you guys a proclamation. We'll take a photo later. All right, then. Recovery Health Month, Georgia. [01:39:48] She's not here. We're representing Georgia. All right. Again, we got some frequent flyers. during recovery month which is observed observed every september we celebrate all people who make the journey of recovery possible by embracing families and recovery to spread the message that people can and do recover every day prince william county residents are encouraged to be aware of and be able to recognize the signs of mental health and substance use disorders and assist family friends and co-workers when possible and people in need of recovery services are [01:40:23] encouraged to seek help. Community Services believes the change is possible. The agency and its community partners are hosting a Families in Recovery event on September 17, 2025 at the AJ Ferlazzo building at 15491 Donald Curtis Drive in Woodbridge from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. [01:40:43] Community allies and people in recovery are invited to share their stories of resilience and recovery through art and storytelling. Today, therefore, the Prince William Board of County Supervisor hereby proclaims September 2025 as Recovery Month in Prince William County. Does anyone have any remarks? [01:41:00] Thank you, Chair Jefferson and the Board. My name is Lanelle Moselle. I'm Behavioral Health Program Manager in Prince William Community Services or the Outpatient Therapy Team, and it is my honor to be here today to say recovery works, recovery and families work, and we want to celebrate those next Wednesday at the Falaza Building. [01:41:22] It will be a full day of fun and recovery. We have two speakers coming, one on gambling and substance use, because those are closely tied together, as well as one from a staff member from George Mason, Shaquilla Melchior, who's actually native to Prince William County, and she's going to speak about healing being collective. [01:41:40] We will have fun activities happening as well. We have AcuDetox, we have yoga, we have therapy dogs, we have HIV testing, we have lunch provided to everyone who attends, and it's just going to be a great day. So it's from 10 to 3 next Wednesday at Flow Zone. [01:41:56] Thank you. All right, Chief LaBelle and everyone for National Preparedness Month, please come on down. [01:42:27] September is National Preparedness Month, a time designated every year to raise awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness and to encourage all residents and business owners to prepare for disasters in their homes, businesses, and neighborhoods. This month, the Office of Emergency Management is facilitating a variety of activities throughout the month to encourage everyone to build an emergency kit, make and practice their emergency plan, stay informed during emergency events, get involved with local organizations that help others during disasters, learn a life-saving skill, and know the threats and hazards that may impact their home or business. People who are prepared for emergencies recover more quickly [01:43:04] and can assist others who may be infected, demonstrating a sense of community. So make a plan, build an emergency kit, stay informed. Today, therefore, the Prince William Board of county supervisors hereby proclaims the month of september 2025 as national preparedness month in prince william county chief of bell do you have any remarks thank you chair members of the board i'll be brief again a prepared community is a resilient community we really encourage our citizens to check out the website pwcva.alerts to get alerts when emergencies occur and for all of [01:43:41] our residents to recognize that we need you to be prepared for 72 hours of taking care of yourself and having the resources to do that. So thank you very much for the recognition and thank you to all of our partners and particularly the folks in emergency management who work so hard. [01:43:57] All right, Chief Newsham, it's your turn. Everyone associate with Forensic Science Week in Prince William County, please come on down. [01:44:31] In 2013, forensic leaders instituted the National Forensic Science Week to recognize the contributions that forensic science makes to the criminal justice system and to acknowledge the importance of forensic science and the dedication of forensic professionals. [01:45:00] Forensic science professionals help answer critical questions and criminal investigations by providing scientific conclusions. The Prince William Police Department is committed to the use of forensic science in the investigation of crimes and partners with local, state, and federal agencies to collectively build and maintain criminal databases related to latent prints, dna and other information relevant to criminal cases today the prince william board of county supervisors hereby proclaims september 14th through september 20th 2025 is forensic science [01:45:38] week in prince william county chief newsham would you like to offer remarks thank you chair thank you members of the board my name is captain heather mcclain and on behalf of our forensics Forensic Services section, a nationally accredited Forensic Services section. [01:45:58] Thank you for this proclamation and for recognizing their hard work. Unlike shows like NCIS and Law and Order, where crimes are solved within an hour, these folks, our crime scene investigators, our fingerprint technicians, our photo imaging unit, they are working tirelessly on very challenging crime scenes in the middle of torrential downpours. [01:46:19] they're out there linking the evidence to individuals making this community safer every day and I really thank you again for recognizing their their dedication and their true passion for this for this profession at the Iran thank you very much all right Rick Canizales we are ready [01:46:48] for car free day now I need to know if I have a drive my electric my electric car is that cheating Car-Free Day is a worldwide event celebrated to collectively reduce carbon emissions by encouraging residents to leave their cars at home and use alternative methods of travel and commuting. [01:47:23] Car-Free Day benefits Prince William County by reducing the number of single occupancy vehicles, which has numerous additional benefits improving air quality, less congestion, energy conservation, and reduced parking demands. During car-free day, residents of Prince William County and the region are encouraged to telework and or try alternative forms of transportation such as transit, bicycling, walking, and car light methods such as carpools and vanpools. [01:47:48] All Prince William County residents are encouraged to take the pledge to be car-free or car-light on September 2, 2025 on the Transportation Department's website, which I'm going to attempt to read, htps.4 slash 4 slash www.pwcva.gov forward slash department forward slash transportation forward slash bicycle hyphen and hyphen pedestrian. [01:48:13] Today, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors hereby proclaims car-free day on Monday, September 22nd, 2025. All right, thank you. [01:48:28] Do you have any words you'd like to share with us, Mr. Canizales? Thank you, Madam Chair. Rick Canizales, your Director of Transportation. I'll leave the remarks to Mr. Weirich here, our Planning Manager, but I just did want to have everybody be able to participate with us on the 22nd for this car-free day and be able to move forward in this environment to try to encourage pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users to use. [01:48:56] Kevin? Thank you, Rick. Chair Jefferson, members of the board, my name is Kevin Weirach, the Transportation Planning Manager for the county. On behalf of the Prince William Department of Transportation, We'd like to thank the board for recognizing Car-Free Day, which is taking place this year on Monday, September 22nd. [01:49:12] This is an international event celebrated around the world with the goal to reduce carbon emissions and raise awareness of more environmentally friendly alternatives to single occupancy vehicle trips. We have a sign-up sheet in the lobby for those who'd like to take the car-free pledge on that day. Say hi to our bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, Bryce Barrett, who does an amazing job for us. [01:49:32] We at Prince William DOT are working every day to make the county more pedestrian, bike, and transit friendly. And we want residents and commuters alike to have options when it comes to mobility. We hope people take advantage of that on the 22nd, maybe make a habit out of it now and in the future. [01:49:48] So thanks again. You can also ask your employees to telework that day. That's car-free day as well. And for our last proclamation of today, if I can have those associated with Hispanic Heritage Month come down. [01:50:14] I'd also like to note, while she had to leave early, Supervisor Yesli Vega is the first person of Hispanic heritage elected to the Board of County Supervisors. Hispanic Americans have enriched the nation through their traditions, work ethic, and dedication, and continue to make significant contributions across various fields. [01:50:36] Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15th through October 15th to honor the contributions, diverse cultures, and rich heritage of Hispanic Americans. The start of this observance, September 15th, marks the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with Mexico and Chile celebrating their Independence Day soon thereafter. [01:51:01] Therefore, today, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors hereby proclaims Monday, September 15, 2025, through Wednesday, October 15, 2025, is Hispanic Heritage Month, and encourages all members of our community to join our Hispanic friends and neighbors in recognizing and celebrating the prosperity, power, and progress of the Hispanic community during this special month and beyond. [01:51:24] Does anyone have any remarks? Thank you, Chair Jefferson, members of the Board, County Executive Shorter. we really appreciate being recognized my name is rosie clark or rosana rivera clark and um you can see why i go by rosie and i am a proud latina i am also a proud employee here at prince william county i work for risk and wellness services in the finance department i am also a proud resident of prince william county living here for almost 40 years yes yes yes yes and so thank you thank [01:52:02] for your enthusiasm um i just want to thank you all uh now more than ever for this proclamation our employees our hundreds of hispanic and latino employees show up every single day to serve our fellow employees to serve our residents our patrons the tourists of our great county and so with that again thank you for the proclamation we appreciate it so now um board We're going to take about a 15-minute recess, so the agenda, before I say anything. [01:52:39] Sure. Thank you, Madam Chair. Before the board considers and votes on item 5G, which is an MOU with the schools regarding an internal control process for school funds, and item 10A later on the agenda, which accepts budgets and appropriate school funds, I need to declare a personal interest in these matters. [01:52:56] My wife is a special education instructional aide with the schools. As a school's employee, my wife and I are members of a group which is affected by these matters. I will be participating in these matters because I am able to do so fairly, objectively, and in the public interest. Madam Chair, before the board considers and votes on item 5G, which is a MOU with the schools regarding an internal control process for school funds, and item 10A, which accepts budgets and appropriate school funds, I need to declare personal interest in this matter. [01:53:25] My wife is a special education instructional aide with the schools. As a school's employee, my wife and I are members of a group which is affected by this matter. I will be participating in these matters because I am able to do so fairly, objectively, and in the public interest. Thank you, Madam Chair. All right. [01:53:41] Thank you very much. Before we move on, does anyone have any items they would like to pull off the consent agenda because they have additional questions or concerns about that item? I don't see anyone, so I would like to get a motion for 5A through 5S. [01:54:03] So move, Madam Chair. Second. All right. I see a couple people in. Supervisor Bodie? Thank you, Madam Chair. Just a few different items on Kassin agenda. I know it's a little bit long, so please bear with me. 5C is looking at the Old Bridge Road 123 interchange project. [01:54:23] I know we've had some fits and starts with this one, but I really want to appreciate Rick Canizales and his team. We're being very intentional about this. Going back to VDOT, looking at the different ways in which we can make this project as impactful as possible while also making sure we're not impacting businesses as much as possible. [01:54:40] So not enough consideration to how we sort of traverse this area day to day. So we're sort of prioritizing now underutilized space like the commuter lot that's over there as well as other alternatives there. So really wanted to give a shout out on that piece. 5C is a pre-application for the FY29, FY30 VDOT revenue sharing program of items of interest in and around the Occoquan disk. [01:55:04] We have the Elm Farm Road, which used to be in Occoquan, now it's in Neabsco. We've had constituents asking us for a long time for a sidewalk on that. So we will hopefully be getting funds for that. Old Bridge Road, we have another sidewalk. So right across the street from Woodbridge High, we have a whole housing community there that currently has no sidewalk access. [01:55:23] So really looking forward to hopefully getting that. And farther down the road in Supervisor Franklin's district, we have the North Woodbridge Pedestrian Bridge, which will help a lot of our folks. 5L, as in Larry, an MOU with the Parks Foundation to construct a pump track at Rollins Ford Park. I want to recognize my predecessor, Ruth Anderson, who's in the back. [01:55:41] Thank you, Supervisor Anderson, for all your work on this as the chair of the Parks Foundation and all your work. I know you've been working tirelessly on this for the past few years. 5N is in Nancy, ratify a grant application to Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for jail mental health programs for the ADC. For folks that don't know, there is a grant-funded project in the ADC that has mental health and therapists for our incarcerated folks in that detention facility. [01:56:07] Went to go visit that with my staff a couple months back. It's a great program. Glad we're still supporting it. And again, these are existing positions that are funded through a grant. And then finally, 5R, as in Robert, a public hearing to consider amendments to the county code to permit free roaming cats to be able for us to implement a trap-neuter vaccine release program. [01:56:28] I know that quite a few of us have worked with our animal advisory committee appointees on this over the last few years. I know that Supervisor Vega, who could not be here, gave a directive about this a year or so ago. I gave a directive about this a couple years prior to that. Glad we're finally going to be authorizing a public hearing for this. [01:56:46] And thank you, Madam Chair. Supervisor Franklin. Yeah, first I want to just recognize former Supervisor Ruth Anderson did not see you back there. Very, very great to see you. Just also wanted to highlight item 5E that Supervisor Bodhi just mentioned, but wanted to specifically mention about the pedestrian bridge revenue sharing portion, hoping that this will be included for funding. [01:57:11] The developers are funding at a certain portion of the county. and hoping we can get some additional assistance there. That will be part of the North Woodbridge Town Center that is taking place, Occoquan, and Route 1. So I just wanted to flag that. And then also for Item 5Q, these are updates to our towing ordinance. [01:57:31] We've worked with a number of different stakeholders, including property managers, our police department who kind of shepherded this effort, as well as our towing companies and Supervisor Vega and myself as well. And so, you know, some of these items just include additional signage and notice for certain neighborhoods where towing has been pretty prevalent, but also, you know, giving a little bit of a grace period for certain circumstances, particularly as people are kind of going in and out, moving perhaps, taking groceries and things of that nature. [01:58:09] It's not what everybody or each stakeholder wanted, but to me, that's the definition of compromise. But I think we got as close as we possibly could to what the towers, the property managers, as well as myself, Supervisor Vega, and some of our constituents that have been writing in about concerns with regards to towing. [01:58:26] So thank you to our police department for your efforts. I know it was very, very hard, but I think this is worth at least updating. So thank you. Supervisor Gordy. Thank you, Madam Chair. I also want to elevate item 5L and recognize Supervisor Ruth Anderson. [01:58:46] She is the backbone behind the Parks Foundation. She leads that. She is the one who's gone out and raised $312,000 from our community to bring the pump track to fruition at Rollins Ford Park. [01:59:03] When Rollins Ford Park was being designed and prepared, I know my former chief of staff and our school board member, Erica Tredenik, worked with Seth and his team on including the pump track, but unfortunately the funding was not there for it. So the Parks Foundation, under Supervisor Anderson's leadership, has been able to raise the funds to bring this to fruition, and we cannot be more excited. [01:59:28] So thank you for all the hard work and looking forward to the next project. Their work is not done. It just moves on to something new. And so looking forward to what that might be. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. And Supervisor Bailey. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Good afternoon to everyone. [01:59:45] I wanted to start off with item 5A, that we're going to get some speed bumps in the Potomac District. We're extremely excited about that. And that is to Mr. Collins-Solace and his team making sure that we follow through on some proffers that we had in hand. [02:00:03] in our district. And so it's just starting, but it will continue. So Rick and team, thank you so much. And Ruth, good to see you. Thank you so much for the work that you do on the Parks Foundation. It is continual, and make us accountable, please. And then on 5N, for Colonel Allen, I agree with my colleague, Supervisor Bodie, when he talks about the programming that we have for mental health in the ADC. It is critical, and Colonel Allen has made it one of his foremost focuses to make sure that we are getting funding for those programs. [02:00:39] And then lastly, as Supervisor Bode also said, 5R, and working with my appointee, Mr. Eric Frago-Holm, who made me aware, as you made the directive, you and Yesley, that this is extremely important for our community and community owners. And so now to see it come to fruition, we applaud the work that you're doing at the animal shelter. [02:00:57] We really appreciate it. And to the appointees, we applaud you also. Thank you, Madam Chair. All right. Thank you so very much. With that, I don't think there are any more comments, so let's go ahead and take our vote. Vote unanimous. [02:01:19] All right. Thank you very much. We are now on to agenda item number six, and that is public comment time. I am going to start with in public comments. I'm going to call people up in groups of five. Please state your name and the magisterial district where you reside. [02:01:35] You do not need to give us your address unless you want me to show up for dinner. Better be a very good cook. You've got, because I'm kind of picky, and up there on the monitor, for those of you who haven't been here before, you have three minutes and there will be a countdown. So I'm going to start with Mr. Mac Howdow, Roger Gackle, Margarita Moylan, Nina Dow, and Andy Corey. [02:01:56] If you can all make your way to the back. Madam Chair, members of the board, thank you. My name is Mac Howdow. I'm the president. Wait, give us one second. We've got to get everything rolling. You're fast. But are you ready, Andrea? All right, now we're ready. My name is Mac Howdow. [02:02:11] I'm the president of the Oak Valley Homeowners Association. I'd ask for the consideration of that organization of the extra two minutes. That's for only public hearings. Okay. Gainesville District, thank you. On November 29th of 2023, your county attorney gave you some excellent advice about the peril of going to court with respect to the impairment of the advertisement for the rezonings for the PW Digital Gateway. [02:02:36] The developers said that they were willing to accept the risk. I don't think you contemplated that risk involved $1 million-plus of our taxpayer money. money to fund this particular proceeding. However, I wish all of you had been in the courtroom when the decision was made with respect to the one issue that's still left on the table, and that is whether the advertisement was properly noticed and the judge determined that it was not. The argument made by your attorney and by the digital gateway attorneys was that there should be a stay in this matter because there are other cases that are currently under appeal or being evaluated by [02:03:11] the courts and Judge Irving said clearly and she said correct me if I'm wrong but there is only one case for which there has been evidence that has been accepted and evaluated by the court and that's this one and she said there is no question that in all those other cases which were dismissed on demures and are currently under appeals that in fact this is the one that made the difference because it was evidence-based and the facts were presented to the court and she made her clear determination. The second argument was made by your attorneys was that there is a better than 50% chance that they would be successful in an appeal, citing the judge's comments repeatedly during the [02:03:47] trial that she expected that there would be appeal. Judge Irving admonished your attorneys and the data center attorneys, if you think, her quote, if you think I would have ruled, if you think you had an appeal that's successful, I would have ruled that way. I did not. And in fact, that was a very direct point made there. On the third argument the attorneys made was that they should appeal, she should grant the stay because to not do so would create confusion in the community and would undermine the credibility of this board. In fact, the opposite is true. If you fund an appeal going forward because it is only on an evidence-based, fact-based determination by the [02:04:25] judge about whether there was proper advertisement made for that rezoning hearing, there's no question that the judge evaluated all of those facts, it would be the credibility of this board would be in peril if you were to say, we want to fund an appeal that would cost more taxpayer money for which there is no likely outcome other than the one that the fact-based jurist made in this particular case. The judge offered a simple solution, and that is that you simply restart the case, have it evaluated by your planning staff, properly notice hearings before the planning Commission and the Board of County Supervisors, and we will accept that that's the risk that the [02:05:03] developers ought to take to trust you to follow that process. That is essentially what we're down to. To do otherwise would subvert the process, and we think that right now the judge has made a clear and unambiguous ruling on this matter. We ask that you not fund an appeal, and let's move to the process of evaluating this project on its merits. Thank you very much. Thank you. I have to run to an airport, so I apologize for leaving. No worries. Next speaker, please. Hello, I'm Roger Yackel from Gainesville. We've all played the game at Halloween in which you wear a blindfold, you put your hand [02:05:41] into a bag, you feel around, and then you guess whatever's inside the bag. Well, this is a little bit like what data center developers did with data centers when they introduced them to Prince William County. There was limited knowledge about the data center industry, about the issues, about the benefits. Developers like this as they could exaggerate the benefits or even worse. You know this. We as residents and you as supervisors have learned a lot of facts since. You remember [02:06:17] Supervisor Bailey, as we were on the windshield tour back in 2022, you said to me, you share facts. I did then. I still do, since I've learned a lot more facts. Unfortunately, there are fewer jobs created, permanent jobs, for data centers, as was first mentioned by the developers. The amount of tax revenues Prince William County would receive is still questioned. So why approve any more data [02:06:50] centers in Prince William County. Supervisor Gordy asked Bill Wright and me this question back in 2022, when do we have enough data centers? Good question. Look around Prince William County. [02:07:08] When's the last time you've driven up in Gainesville and seen all of the destruction? I'd be glad to drive you if any of you are interested. We have more than enough data centers. As Chair Jefferson said, we are squeezing out other businesses and affordable housing. This is true. [02:07:27] So please stop approving any more data centers in Prince William County, at least those outside the overlay district. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker. Hello. My name is Margarita Moylan, and I reside in the Gainesville district, where sadly we find ourselves unrepresented. I am here to ask that the board do what we know Bob Weir would have wanted and not appeal the ruling of [02:08:04] Judge Irving. Courts are obligated to follow the law. Unlinking law from the courts means no one has any guidance and the result can be nothing but chaotic. This is what we have experienced with the decision the board made to proceed with the Prince William Digital Gateway rezoning and voting after being advised that the county had not provided the proper notice and proceeding would likely result in costly and lengthy lawsuits. The Planning Commission advised against the project, [02:08:42] but the board, under the leadership of Ann Wheeler, chose to roll the dice. It cost the county, the citizens, and the data centers millions of dollars. Let's not appeal a case that the court has ruled on, which would cost everyone additional time and money, when the logical remedy would have been, and should have been, to follow the laws and procedures that exist. Read the law yourself. It is that simple. The behavior of the previous board has been very harmful to the county, knowing their conduct was in violation of the law. Many of you were on the board at the time [02:09:21] and have learned and seen much of the consequences that some data center projects have wrought on the communities of the county. Western Prince William County has become the dumping ground for data center blight. I hope you all start to take these votes seriously and understand that what you vote on has far-reaching consequences. [02:09:49] Remember when you vote what Bob Weir would have wanted. He would have voted to not appeal. Thank you. Thank you, next speaker. Good afternoon. [02:10:08] My name is Nina Dow, and I live in the Gainesville District. Today, I want to urge you not to appeal Judge Irving's court ruling on the Oak Valley lawsuit. Doubling down by funneling more money to outside law firms to prolong a fight against county's very own taxpayers would be harmful and would squander county funds. [02:10:33] But here's a thought. Rather than fighting your constituents on what is very likely to be a losing effort, why not view this as a prime opportunity to make things right and abide by the will of the people? The election that brought you, Ms. Jefferson, and the late Bob Weir onto the board clearly demonstrated that the electorate has rejected the empty rhetoric of all data centers all the time in all places. And since that election, we've come to know even more about the downside [02:11:08] consequences of hyperscale data centers. You see, we're finding that not all gold is glittery. And once again, at a critical moment in time, those of us in the Gainesville District find ourselves without the official representation that we need. [02:11:26] Basic fairness requires that you consider these stakeholders who are most impacted. So this is your chance to stand with the people and not against them. Ladies and gentlemen, please do the right thing and let the court's decision stand. Thank you. [02:11:42] Thank you. Before I have the next speaker, I'm going to call up the next group of five. Jaffray, Terry Jaffray, Brent Boros, Louis Gonzalez, and Thomas Underwood. So the rest of you guys can come and stand. All right, you may go. Good afternoon. My name is Andy Corey. I'm currently a sophomore at Battlefield High School and live in Oak Valley in the Gainesville District. [02:12:08] The last time I spoke here, I asked the board to reject the digital gateway rezoning applications. If that comes back to a vote, I ask you again to reject the digital gateway. But I'm here to ask you for something much more simpler. Please stop fighting your own neighbors and do not appeal the court decision. When I first heard about the Digital Gateway, I was still in middle school. [02:12:31] I was learning about representative government, and at the time, Gainesville had a conflicted supervisor who couldn't even vote on any data center issues. His share was literally empty at those meetings. I started coming to the meetings of the Planning Commission and the board, finding my voice to speak up for all of us kids in Prince William County who don't want to be surrounded by data centers. And I've been so inspired, by the way, as our community has come together. I saw firsthand how much it took to win this legal victory. I watched my mom and other neighbors pull together to stand up for what's right, even though that meant they had to endure a lot. They never gave up. But today, I think it's time for the county to give up this fight. [02:13:10] Thank you. Next speaker, please. Good afternoon, Madam Chairman. My name is Tony Giffray. I live in Haymarket, Virginia. I disagree with all the previous speakers on what their statements and what their accusations are. There are some people who are opposing the data center and this decision that you made in last, well, when it was made in the prior board, and several of you are still [02:13:43] members of this board who voted in favor of that rezoning. And it's gone through the courts. I happen to be own some land on Page Land Lane so I'm involved I guess you say financially and I've been waiting to do this to come to a conclusion for several years now just as the board has I think I think you have good cause in my view to go forward I used to be a member of the board of supervisors back in the 80s and went through several of these lawsuits and found that according [02:14:20] to the county attorney I talked to then, John Foote, which I think some of you may be still aware of, he advised me that throughout the years, a lot of these things have happened where there was things like the advertising wasn't met to the 100%, but as long as the population, everybody knew about it, they weren't deprived of the ability to speak. [02:14:45] And if some of you remember, the ones who were on this board, remember the hours and hours and hours of speaking there was nobody that was deprived of their right to speak or on the issue and the board went and made the decision i think it was a good decision then i think it's a good decision now and i think it's also be a good decision to continue the fight to see the end of it because i'm pretty sure that this judge is going to be overturned thank you next speaker please good afternoon my name is brent boris i'm a lifelong prince william county resident i live in [02:15:23] the Occoquan District, and I urge you to appeal. As a member of IBEW Local 26, I support data center construction jobs closer to home. Data center jobs here in Prince William County means cutting down my commute and spending more time at home with my family and less time in traffic on 66 and 95 driving to Ashburn, Fredericksburg, or more recently, Culpepper. Local 26 believes in building community. These data center projects help guarantee the next generation of electricians like my son and his young friends coming from here in Prince William County. These projects help us bring in more apprentices to the trade, giving kids a pathway to six-figure careers with [02:16:03] full benefits that their parents may not have even had. This line of work can be generational impacting. Prince William will continue to benefit greatly from the tax revenues these projects provide, continuing the progress made in our school system, paying our county workers well, fully funding our first responder services. As a Prince William resident, these are the services I rely upon to provide without unnecessarily raising my taxes. Other jurisdictions are doing their best to attract data center projects because of all the benefits I've spoken about. [02:16:36] Help keep the industry here, keep these crucial tax dollars here, and build a strong middle class with family-sustaining wages, and give me more time at home with my family and loved ones. Next speaker, please. Good afternoon. My name is Luis Gonzalez. I'm resident from Niasco District. [02:17:04] Also an IBW Local 26 member, 20 years of service with the Local 26. I'm currently living in the Prince William County for the past 15 years. My wife, she works for the Prince William School. [02:17:24] Also, my daughter, she goes to the Forest Park High School. And my nephew, also, he's trying to join the Local 26 as an electrician. He's trying to follow my footstep pretty much as an electrician. And we live in the Hidden Prince William County. [02:17:42] So those data centers are very important for us as a resident. It's going to help not only the community, but it's going to help that tax, the property tax. I have a property, so we pay taxes every year. And that's going to help the county to get more money pretty much. [02:18:01] It's not only for the residents, the whole entire county is going to benefit with that. the fire marshal, the police, the teachers. Everybody else is going to get benefit with that. If you don't see the full picture now, it's time to see the full picture because right now is the time to get those data centers here in Prince William because other than that, it's probably going to end up somewhere else and we're going to lose the opportunity with what we have right now, which is very important, not only for us as a resident Prince William, but the future generation. [02:18:39] You know, my daughter, she's probably going to college, but she's still not decided what she want to do. But for the young generation, the kids still in the middle school, high school, they have to have some kind of career. If they don't have the career, like they don't pick college, they can pick us an electrician career. [02:18:58] It's a good career. We have an apprenticeship school. One of their schools that we have is in Manassas, which is part of the Prince William. And we have a lot of students. We selected 600 students this year as apprentices, plus the new people. [02:19:14] We bring in people every day. I'm recruited for the Local 26. We process 100, 100 people, not only Prince William residents, but they live with most of them. We have a lot of members living in the Prince William area, more than 1,000 members. So those members, they deserve to stay local. [02:19:34] It's not fair that they have to go to Maryland to work in Maryland or D.C. to commute every day. That's special 95. It's terrible traffic every day. So you guys probably know about that. But we want those jobs to stay local. [02:19:50] And the data center is going to help us to stay local. We support the data center. We want you guys' support also. Thank you for your time and thank you for your service. All right. Before the next speaker, I want to call up the next people. I have Sarah Ronnie. [02:20:07] Marian Gadban, Steve Lorenz, Jack Waldman, and Kara Klass. All right, you may go. Madam Chairwoman, council members, county attorney, and our county executive. [02:20:26] My statement is very different from the others, and you've heard passioned arguments for or against data centers. What I argue for is very different. Due process of the law is a fundamental principle that every one of us is entitled to. We are now at a due process issue. [02:20:44] There have been hearings. There have been conflicting hearings. There will be appeals. We know there are multiple appeals pending, and there is another one to come. The county should have a voice in each one of these appeals. Mr. Haddow was incorrect and has never argued against due process until today. [02:21:04] You didn't hear him arguing about voices being heard today. You heard him want to argue for the finality of an argument. You, as council members, at the advice of your county attorney, must ensure due process for everyone. [02:21:20] You represent the county. You represent the citizens of the county. There are conflicting rulings from the court. Every member of this council, every citizen of this county, should be included in the lawsuit by this county joining in on the lawsuit to have a voice for this due process issue. [02:21:41] Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker. Sarah Underwood Ramey of the Gainesville District, my family has owned land on Pageland Lane for over 70 years. For us to join in selling to data centers was very hard, but Pageland Lane is no longer rural. [02:22:06] That is why 400 landowners in the area joined together to sell our land. It's no longer rural. Although Pageland Lane is a two-lane road, it has become a major thoroughfare to Loudoun County. [02:22:22] We have huge power lines going through the back of our farm, taking power to Loudoun County. And why do they need the power? Because they have data centers. And because they have data centers, they have a huge amount of revenue. [02:22:40] Their revenue funds some of the best schools in the entire state. When you see the list of top 50 schools in the state, many are in Loudoun County. And the reason they can fund those schools is because they have the data center money. [02:22:57] We would like the opportunity to sell our property to the data centers. Part of the unintended consequences of the circuit court ruling is that developers are going to find that Prince William County is no longer friendly to them. Please support joining the appeal to allow the data centers to build in Gainesville. Thank you. Next speaker. My name is Marianne Gadman, and I'm a resident of Pageland Lane. I'm also a lifelong resident of Prince [02:23:36] William County and have lived on Pageland for 45 years and have been a businesswoman in Prince William County. Myself and about approximately 400 residents on Prince William County asked for the comp plan amendment back in 2021. It was not by anyone but the grassroots movement of the people who live on Pageland Lane. Why? Because Pageland Lane is the junk room of Northern Virginia. We have the massive transmission lines. We have an industrial road that has semis and traffic back and forth between I-66 and Loudoun County. [02:24:15] We have suffered the damages of Loudoun County expanding for the last 18 years. We've also suffered from a data center right on Pageland Lane that was improved in 2019. So we found, we, the residents of Pageland Lane, asked for the comprehensive plan. [02:24:35] We sought out data centers to purchase our property because when Gainesville Crossing was approved, it was said in that hearing, this is the right place for data centers because of the massive transmission corridor. Now, I'd like to just address Mr. Mac Haddo's petition. He claims the county has spent a million dollars and that the data center industry will appeal all the way to the Supreme Court. But let's be clear, it's Mr. Haddo's lawsuits that have cost the county money. [02:25:05] He sued over the comp plan approval. He lost in circuit court. He lost again in the Court of Appeals. And now he has appealed to the Virginia State Supreme Court. Those legal costs are his doings and not ours. [02:25:22] And when he says don't spend tax dollars fighting on your own citizens, please don't forget the 400 residents on Pageland Lane are your citizens of the county as well. As for the opposition, they are not our neighbors. Elena Sloshberg lives in Thunder Oaks, about 28 minutes away, and none of the other leaders that are fighting us live on Pageland Lane. [02:25:47] For 24 years, the PEC has orchestrated anti-everything campaigns in western Prince William to protect Falk here from Prince William County. They've even opposed poor, small landscapers who try to expand their business, small business, mind you, on Route 15. [02:26:06] I guess, you know, what I would ask is that you also think about Judge Irving's rulings and, again, the unintended consequences, standing, expand so anyone can sue without evidence, bundling, multiple lawsuits and costs. [02:26:23] So please go forward with the appeal. It's important to keep Prince William County open for business. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Good afternoon. [02:26:42] Stephen Lawrence, Gainesville District, and a strong supporter of the Prince William Digital Gateway. I'd like to address the topic of the day, which seems to be the recent court ruling that affects this project. The latest ruling that really blew my mind in that, how is it possible for a dozen people that have a county of almost half a million to sue the county on the CPA? [02:27:15] they lose. Then they sue the ZPA, and their claim is that they didn't know, they didn't have sufficient information, and they didn't have adequate notice about when the ZPA hearing was going to be. And a judge let them get away with it. Anyway, I'm just still really confused over that. If any group had notice and information, it's that one. However, there seems to be some [02:27:53] question as to whether the county will participate in an appeal. And the argument brought forth by the opposition is the extreme cost that the county has borne during their induced legal fights of a million dollars, million and a half dollars. I heard somebody claim two and a half million dollars the other day. Well, being a resident and a landowner on Pageland, I guarantee you that anyway i i took my increase in taxes and extrapolated to what our my community has [02:28:32] paid the county in excess what we would have before the zoning change it's over 10 million dollars the county hasn't been funding these you know these the legal defense that the county has supported i think pageland lane residents have more than have more than footed the bill for this by about a factor of 10. So there should be no question as to whether the county will join [02:29:03] the appeal that will occur. What I encourage you to ask your legal support is how soon can you file a brief with the appellate court requesting an emergency stay of Judge Irving's ruling. [02:29:24] This is going to cause significant chaos within your tax collection and your planning departments, ignoring the effect on the Pageland residence. There's going to be added costs. Just from that, there's going to be, because of this rule, you know, how are you going to react to it? And so the fact that it was not stayed is a real problem for everybody. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, [02:29:48] please. Hi. Good afternoon, Honorable Supervisors, County Chair, and County Executive. My name is Jack Waldman. I live in the Woodridge District. Happy to say I've lived there for 28 years, raised a family there and proud to be part of Prince William County. I am the board president for Newport Estates Homeowners Association and I'm here to speak about the local soil and [02:30:25] foundation management fund. I know originally it was supposed to be a hearing year which is postponed to November but I wanted to speak out on behalf of that fund now. Our community fully supports the establishment of this sort of fund. It's absolutely critical to ensure the safety of our community and other communities in the neighborhood, not to mention to prevent further damage to the watershed. I lived here in 2006-2007 where we had a similar slope failure which resulted [02:31:03] in the condemnation of a home. A resident was forced to move out of his home for several months until that was resolved in that case the county was able to come in and help and support repairs we stand ready and willing to help the the board and the county address any questions that they may have concerning this matter we have a lot of history we've done a lot of analysis so I believe that as a team we [02:31:37] can help address any concerns or questions the county has. I ask for your leadership and partnership in your recognition that the problems that we face are not one that the HOA created. It's one that the developer left for us to deal with. We need your help to stabilize the soil and prevent further erosion. I look forward to working with the county to create a viable fund. Thank you. [02:32:09] All right, before the next speaker, I'm going to call up the next group, and that's Kathy Kulik, Patrick Harters, Ken Nahr, and Nancy Armour. All right, you may begin speaking. [02:32:28] Good afternoon. My name is Kara Kloss, and I reside in the Gainesville District. Well, the last time I spoke here, advocating for rejection of the Digital Gateway, I cautioned that we would see you in court, and indeed, we did see the county in court, and the developers, too, and we won. I'm one of the folks who is involved in the Oak Valley litigation, and I would like to provide some insights from that process and clarify some aspects of the litigation that may be useful in your consideration of whether to appeal. [02:32:55] As was mentioned previously, we are seeking review by the Virginia Supreme Court of our challenge to the comprehensive plan amendment for the digital gateway. And of note there is just to remind everyone that the county in all of your pleadings has stated that the board has no obligation to listen to any of its residents at these public hearings. [02:33:15] And we believe that that's wrong, and we're challenging that. I think everyone knows that Judge Irving ruled only on count one of our complaint, which addressed, as everyone knows, the Washington Post publication issue and the public availability of documents for the rezoning applications. [02:33:32] But please understand there are six more counts in the complaint, and all of which address in detail the violations that the board committed in approving the rezonings and which the court may address in the future, dependent upon the outcome of the appellate review process over the notice issues. [02:33:49] And of particular import, as Judge Irving identified and agreed, that our plaintiffs will suffer, quote, unquote, particularized harms from the digital gateway. So what does this mean? it means it's far from over and we have a strong case going forward. We were subject to a lot of personal attacks in this process. I guess it said when you don't have the facts and the law on your side, you make personal attacks. That's what happened to us. We were called a cabal in a public court filing and of course Oxford defines that as a group which pursues its aims by underhead methods. In discussing matters related to our group in open court, counsel referenced the Gambino [02:34:26] family. And to be clear, I'm not part of the mafia. And just in the press last week, former Chair Wheeler blamed us for the county incurring legal bills. So why these attacks? Because we had the audacity to demand open and transparent government, to demand this county follow Virginia statute and Prince William County ordinance, and because we exhibited the courage to stand up for what we believe, and we won. Now, the county's August 15th motion was a large statement that the county is marching in step with the developers that was it was in support of the developers and that stay requesting the judge's order would have would have essentially said that everything [02:35:05] related to the rezonings could go forward and under what circumstances and pursuant to what authority was this motion filed so friends how do we move forward i promise you we will continue to fight with everything we have which is the power of community of banding together to fight a threat to the health safety and well-being of our neighbors the developers will continue in their efforts to oppose us. You better believe that. But the county can stop. It can stop right here and right now. Stop fighting your own neighbors in this litigation. Honor Bob's memory. You have [02:35:34] an easy exit. Please take it. God bless you, Bob. Next speaker, please. Good afternoon, Madam Chair, members of the board. I'm Catherine Kulik. I'm the Vice Chair of the HOA Roundtable of Northern Virginia. Welcome back. Big agenda you've got here. Residential quality of life and property value or something that we advocate for and industrial development is the least desirable next to land [02:36:09] use used for residential that's not a new concept that's something that's been in the zoning and planning you professional area for decades close to 75 years ask your own staff about that but the digital gateway is an enormous project an enormous industrial project and the people that fought that and the plaintiffs live all around it right next to it so this idea that they don't live near it is a red herring. And if it's such a good idea, why did it take so many hundreds of thousands of dollars in political donations to get it across the finish line? Let that one sink in. [02:36:48] So for 37 data centers over 1,750 acres that provide 30 to 50 jobs per facility, that's less than one job per acre. But let's look at the other options, like the AstraZeneca facility that didn't, that AstraZeneca didn't choose to put in Innovation Park. They're sending it down to Albemarle, 500 jobs on 34 acres, that's over 14 jobs per acre. There's no comparison there. But yet the county's approving more and more of these data centers and taking up more and more land when we need the jobs here, when the federal government is downsizing. We all know that's true. [02:37:25] So we need future opportunities. We need to look at other economic development in that corridor. And there are other opportunities that provide full-time jobs, part-time jobs, Jobs for youth. [02:37:42] Those are things that we need to look at and things that we need to consider. So I saw an interesting article the other day where the chamber is saying that Prince William County is going to fall behind if we don't let the digital gateway go through. What? [02:37:58] If the digital gateway doesn't go through, we have twice as much data center developing square footage than Loudoun County still. Falling behind, how could that possibly be that way? What we'll be doing is allowing land use for other opportunities. [02:38:17] To say that Prince William County is falling behind if we don't have the digital gateway is like saying those wonderful folks in Asheville, North Carolina, were going to suffer a drought if they didn't have rain for three days after being hit by a massive flood. It makes no sense. [02:38:33] And I'll just end by saying that our wonderful friends on Pageland seem to think that there's some sort of conflicting rulings in the court, and I hope you'll talk about this in your closed session. There were no conflicting rulings. The other rezoning case that was dismissed, there was no evidence presented at that case. [02:38:51] There were evidence and facts presented at the case that Judge Irving ruled on. Very, very different, and I hope you'll talk about that. Thank you very, very much, and good to see you all back. Next speaker, please. Patrick Harters, Gainesville District. [02:39:11] This case has been before us for years. This has been the most divisive issue in Prince William County since 2021. We've had many nights, many meetings. A lot has happened, and really none of that matters. [02:39:26] this point because that's not what's before us today. What's before us today is making a decision on to appeal. And if anybody knows anything about me, I'm always up for a good fight if it's for a just cause. I don't think it's a good idea to just pick fights for no reason, for things that don't mean as much or for things that aren't going to have a winning cause. I've been involved in legal procedures. When you go from a regular courtroom and a judge's decision to an appeal, it's a much [02:40:03] greater challenge to win the appeal, and it's more expensive. So far, we have spent a million dollars at least in legal fees. That doesn't take into account the time that could have been spent on other issues in the county, a major distraction. What's before us today is making a decision for the board on should we or should you continue with this court procedure, should you appeal this decision. The second part of this is going to be more expensive. One thing that you would always [02:40:38] look at in any legal procedures is how is that judge's case has been in the past? Have they been overturned a lot? What is the confidence they have? And just going back to the initial case, was proper notification given? And is the board confident in that and want to stand behind that? [02:40:55] I believe there is so much that has changed in this board, in this county, over the last two, three years. There's a lot of inspiration and hope and a lot of great things that the county can have. A lot more transparency, more integrity, things that Bob Weir talked about, things that so many people want in their government. And this can be a great demonstration. Making a wise and prudent decision not to waste tax payers' money, not to waste the tax revenue that was so tough to earn, and go after an appeal on this decision. So I would request for you to truly consider [02:41:34] what's before the board today to choose to not appeal this decision, but simply bring it back to the board, and then everything can work out the way it is supposed to. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Ken Nard, Gainesville District. I simply ask you to vote in favor of the county joining the appeal. Thank you very much. Next speaker. Oh, wait. Before next speaker, let me call up. [02:42:04] I have Simon Scarlett, George Stewart, Nikki Bland, and then David Paula. You may proceed. Thank you. Madam Chair, Supervisors, good afternoon. My name is Nancy Armour, and I'm a 38-year resident of the Occoquan District. [02:42:23] I'm here today to request the county discontinue the legal case in the Prince William Digital Gateway. Over a million dollars of hard-earned tax dollars has been spent. the easy remedy would be to hold another hearing if the data center companies continue to pursue this opportunity for them. Please do not fund any appeals. My second request today for the board is to defer any significant land use cases, including data centers, electrical substations, and any large residential properties until a full board is seated, ensuring all citizens [02:43:01] of this county have representation thank you very much next speaker please good afternoon chair jefferson members of the prince william board of county supervisors my name is simon scarlett and i'm the director of operations for virginia american water virginia american water is the largest regulated water company in the state we provide clean safe reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 384 000 people in the county or sorry in nine counties and two independent cities. In Dale City, I can say that we proudly serve over 20,000 residents. [02:43:41] Our concern at this point in time is with the current draft noise ordinance that is under review. The concern is that the ordinance is drafted. It's far too onerous, complex and punitive. Virginia American Water joins other local Prince William businesses, employees, sorry, employers and critical service providers in requesting that you reject the draft ordinance as it stands. [02:44:03] If passed, it would have an immediate negative impact on many businesses in the county, like Virginia American Water. They maintain a workforce here and are in compliance with the county's existing noise ordinance. Industries like water and wastewater utilities are already highly regulated at the state and federal levels, and passing overly stringent local regulations will only stifle economic growth. [02:44:26] A strong economy is good for Prince William County residents. Oppressively complicated and burdensome local regulations are not. I want to thank you for your service to the community and for your attention to this important matter that has potential to significantly impact our community for years to come. [02:44:43] And thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share Virginia American Water's position on this issue. Have a wonderful afternoon. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker. Good afternoon, Board. [02:45:01] George Stewart, Gainesville. Two things. Very, very simple. Number one, Brentsville, stack. Don't do it. Second, regarding the appeal, you know, being any elected official is all about constituent services. [02:45:26] Whether you're elected dog walker or president of the United States, it's about the people. We started today's meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, and we spoke about liberty and justice for all. The overwhelming majority of residents, not just in Gainesville, but in the surrounding area, do not want this. [02:45:53] Let it die. Let it go. there are other things to build office parks camping parks children's parks there are other things to build and i get the money i get it i understand it i'm a capitalist but not all money is good money not all money is good money so i ask you follow the advice of that great 80s [02:46:29] philosopher who spoke to my generation gen x with those three words just say no next speaker please Hi, my name is Nikki Bland. I'm resident of Gainesville District. I live on Pageland. I support the Digital Gateway and proceeding with this hearing. There's an appeals process within our court system for a reason when there are questions as to the accuracy and applicability of a particular decision. [02:47:07] I have been a resident of Prince William County for 50 years. I was born in Fairfax. I live like 12 miles from where I was born. We just happened to end up on Pageland Lane through personal circumstances. Even though I've lived here for half a century, I don't know anything about Pageland Lane. [02:47:28] Since moving there, I do see this as an opportunity for industry. And as I've stated, I'm a resident, so yes, I have a financial interest. Nevertheless, my husband's been in the data center industry for 23 years. [02:47:44] I know a lot about it and how it works. I work in the DOD contracting space. I know that a lot of jobs have been impacted recently by the efficiencies our government is trying to gain. [02:48:02] Prince William County, since I graduated, you know, from law school in 2000 and really my whole life, but I noticed it then most personally, has always been behind as a county in Northern Virginia. People I know used to refer to it as the armpit of Northern Virginia because there was no opportunity. [02:48:25] Yes, there are other jobs that can be had. The jobs that data centers will provide are for years to come in the construction phase. This is not something that would happen overnight. It would make a real difference to the residents of Prince William County, as we heard earlier, to have jobs within their own county. [02:48:46] I have never once had a job in Prince William County in the industry in which I serve. I always had to leave. Most of the county gets up and leaves. That's why we have the toll lanes, at least in western Prince William. [02:49:01] There's a huge revenue impact that could really benefit the county in a lot of different sectors, and you would give the opportunity for people who serve in the county to be able to work and cut down on their commute. [02:49:21] Pageland Lane is not rural, as somebody said earlier. It is no longer a majority farms. maybe it was at one point but just less than 48 hours ago there was a crash at the end of my driveway because it's a cut-through road to Falkir and Fairfax and people speed because they're not gonna get stuck behind a tractor it's unsafe and it's ideal for this location as a prior county [02:49:54] employees stated. Thank you. Sorry, you're out of time. Thank you. Thank you. Our final speaker. Hello. My name is David Palla, and I no longer live in Prince William County. I live in Fairfax County, but I'm here today representing IBEW Local 26 and our over 1,000 members that live here in the county. I want to talk a little bit about that. Luis mentioned we have over 1,000 members here, and we're bringing in hundreds every month. We're on pace to grow by 2,000 [02:50:30] members this year. A big reason for that is because of the data center industry. Many of those new electricians that we're bringing in coming from non-union electrical contractors live here in Prince William County. We're talking about people making over six figures a year in the blue-collar industry as electricians with full health care benefits for them and their family, three pensions, and an annuity. You don't get that anymore. It's an incredible opportunity, and we want to expand that here in Prince William County. That's why we're doubling the size of our apprenticeship school right outside of Manassas in the Gainesville District, [02:51:07] because we know that we're going to need more apprentices, and we know that we're going to need to recruit them from here in Prince William County, because that's where it looks like the work is going to happen. Now, that may be affecting our projected intake of apprentices with this type of project possibly being off the table. [02:51:24] That's why I'm here on behalf of our over 13,000 members, our 1,000 Prince William County residents, to ask you to join the appeal of this decision. A project of this magnitude guarantees the work for decades to come, not just for the existing electrician residents, but also those who will be recruiting from the community. [02:51:44] We already have 600 apprentices coming in. We're the largest in the country. by man hours, we're the largest IBW in the country. We want to continue that growth and we want to continue spreading that opportunity, not just for us, but for the other licensed union trades. I also want to talk about something else beyond the expanse and the opportunities for here in the community. You know, we do have so many members that live here. That's why during the whole fight, the lead up, all of those hearings, those planning commission meetings, everything over the last three years, we brought out hundreds of members either here rallying outside or at off-site events i know a lot of you were at a lot of those meetings you got to meet our members you [02:52:22] got to speak with them you got to hear from them about why this was so important for them about the the time that they wanted back with their family how they wanted the projects that they were building up that they were proud of they wanted the tax revenue from those to be here and they wanted them and their families to be able to celebrate that and be able to to reap the benefits in the way that laudan and other counties have and lastly just real quick we talk a lot about harm, about the public notice, about all those things. I heard the residents of Pageland talking earlier. The value of their property has increased under assessments. $10 million different in the [02:53:01] property taxes that they're paying. If you're going to allow this judge to take it down, what's your plan for paying back all that money? And if that's not harm, then I don't even understand what standing in the legal system is. Thank you. Thank you. We are now going to go to remote public comment time. Supervisor Bailey? Yes, ma'am. Are we ready? [02:53:22] We are. Our first speaker is... Thank you, sir. Good afternoon, board. My name is Jessica Grove. I am in the... Ms. Grove, can you speak a little louder? Yes. Good afternoon, board. [02:53:42] My name is Jessica Grove, and I am in the Bainesville District. I would like to speak to you about SAC being brought forward later on this afternoon. This application is absolutely unacceptable to bring forward today. [02:54:02] It's disgusting, it is reprehensible, and it is nauseating. We all know why this application was pulled on June 24th. Dak did not have the votes. This was Bob's last in-person meeting, and he was a hard no to Bristow campus. Little did we know that Bob would pass less than a month later. [02:54:22] Residents are waking up to the negative impacts that the board is foisting upon us, and they are speaking out. This application is outside the data center overlay zone and is right on the Broad Run watershed. It would lead to thousands of loads of dirt being hauled out on Linton Hall and Noakesville Road, and we don't know where that dirt would go. [02:54:44] It would be absolutely disgusting for you guys to vote on this tonight. It needs to be deferred, and if you do vote on it, it needs to be a hard no. Thank you very much. Thank you, Ms. Grove. [02:55:00] Next speaker, please. Our next speaker is Rachel Ellis. Thank you. Good afternoon, Rachel Ellis. Gainesville District, three words, trust, understanding, transparency. All three words that are taken from your strategic plan. Trust, understanding, and transparency should be priorities of this board, especially in light of the current [02:55:37] circumstances. It is time that you start to live them with action. First, Bristow Campus. Both the Board and STAC should defer this application until Gainesville District has proper representation. The applicant asked for a deferral three times because they knew they did not have sufficient votes for it to pass. [02:55:55] Pushing it through now would only be opportunistic for STAC because Supervisor Weir is no longer here. He was a hard no. There are only two districts that continue to have data center applications outside the data center overlay, Brentsville and Gainesville. Gainesville does not have anyone on this dais representing them, and Bristol campus will impact Gainesville District residents. [02:56:15] Second, Prince William Digital Gateway. Who decided for the county to request a stay in the Digital Gateway hearings? There have not been any emergency meetings by the board to discuss this. So who decided to continue spending taxpayer money on litigation? We all watched Supervisor Weir ask for a deferral twice on 12-5 and 12-12-2023 on the Digital Gateway hearing because of the lack of proper notice. [02:56:41] Exactly what Judge Irving ruled on. Yet the county continues to waste taxpayer money defending illegal actions. It is one thing if the applicants continue to waste their money, but the board has a duty to be good stewards of what is essentially taxpayer money. Ms. Robles' attorney memo dated 11-30-23 acknowledges the concern of legality of the notice regarding the digital gateway hearing. [02:57:04] Trust, understanding, transparency. Trust, we should trust our elected leaders to prioritize residents over outside developer interests and people directly benefiting financially from these decisions. Understanding, we should have leaders that understand that their votes have impacts and consequences to Prince William County residents. [02:57:22] Transparency, we deserve elected leaders that are transparent. with their action and votes this board has the opportunity to set a new direction with their actions today a direction that prioritizes residents over the country the county whether they are in your district or not a new direction that says we are one prince william i plead with you to focus and listen to the voices of residents that are directly impacted by your votes thank you thank you miss ellis next speaker please speaker is mr ackerley thank you mr ackerley yes good [02:57:59] afternoon. Tom Ackerley from the Gainesville District. Welcome back from your summer recess. I'm here to speak today about the decision you have to make about appealing the Judge Irving court decision. I think that the question you should be asking is, does the decisions made by the Board of County Supervisors mean anything? If anybody can challenge property rights and sue [02:58:31] for harm for no real reason. It does affect how the county conducts business. I would like you to reconsider that when you're in your closed session and voting on appealing Judge Irving's ruling. [02:58:47] I believe that it would cause harm and reduce the principle that the county government has to stand by their decisions. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Ackerley. Next speaker, please. Yes, our next speaker is Ms. Phyllis Thompson. [02:59:03] Ms. Thompson, please. Hello, Chairman Jefferson and Board of the County Supervisors. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. I'm Phyllis Thompson, a resident and taxpayer in Prince William County for 41 years. [02:59:22] I live on Pageland Lane, which has become a heavy commuter route, a dangerous road due to all the housing and commercial developments in the area. Opposition to the current zoning in the area comes from a few very vocal, angry people who do not live along this road and say they do not want their quality of life disturbed by changes which are inevitable. [02:59:49] I am a senior citizen and my quality of life has been negatively impacted by all the housing developments around me. I welcomed all these new neighbors and still do, but they appear to have no regard for residents along Pageland Lane impacted by a dangerous road, commuter and industrial traffic and power lines through all the farms. [03:00:20] Incidentally, I used to ride horses through the property that now is Oak Valley, and that has impacted the quality of life of my family. Occasionally residents assembled and supported the data center zoning. [03:00:36] If the ruling of Judge Irving stands, that will take away much of the administrative power of the Board of County Supervisors. Millions of increased taxes will have to be paid back to residents along here who have paid their taxes. [03:00:56] With interest, I understand. I urge you to vote to join the appeal of the ruling in the Oak Valley lawsuit to the Virginia Court of Appeals and to protect the zoning decision by a prior board. Thank you for your attention. [03:01:13] Thank you, Ms. Thompson. Next speaker, please. Next speaker is Ms. Paige Snyder. Ms. Snyder. Hello, my name is Paige Snyder. My family has lived on Page Land Farm for generations. [03:01:29] I've lived there for 75 years. I'm speaking today to ask this board to pursue an appeal against Judge Irving's ruling on the Digital Gateway. The residents of Pageland Lane are 400 of your constituents. [03:01:46] Our voices are being silenced by a court ruling that has not followed the law. We are being quashed by people who just like to fight anything, even if they don't live in our area. They do this by telling untruths and exaggerations and by personal attacks. [03:02:05] And it appears that Judge Irving has fallen for their unethical tactics. A couple cases in point. George Stewart said that the overwhelming majority of residents are against the digital gateway. Did he just not listen to the unions and to all the people who live on Pageland, the 400 people who want it? [03:02:29] We're the majority. They aren't. And also, I would like to address something that Mack Haddo and his ilk keep claiming, which is utterly laughable. The cost to the county for the lawsuits. [03:02:47] How did this cost incur? It wasn't by us. It was by Mack Haddo and his group. They're the ones that are costing all the money, not anybody else. So let's be honest about that. I urge the county, once again, I urge the county not to be short-sighted to those who wish to live and want to build businesses in the county. [03:03:12] Appeal the ruling. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Snyder. Next speaker, please. Our next speaker is Mike Kaczmarek. Mr. Kaczmarek. Yes. Mike Kaczmarek, Heritage Hunt, Gainesville. I have three subjects to discuss today. [03:03:29] First is the special election in Gainesville. The board should hold off any major votes until Gainesville is represented. It would be unfair to the residents of Gainesville District to have the board decide on major decisions that would impact the district without representation. [03:03:45] Second is the appeal of the Prince William Digital Gateway decision made by the district court. The previous board decided against legal advice to go ahead with the vote on the Prince William Digital Gateway, even though they knew that the announcement, and most importantly, the documentation did not comply with the state law. [03:04:03] The landowners and data center developers went along with this decision. Thus, they should have no grounds to sue the board if the board decides not to appeal this decision. It has an easy solution. Start the process over again. If you appeal this decision, you are denying yourself the right to vote on this issue. [03:04:23] That's what the previous board did. They rammed it through. So you were denied the right to vote on this issue. Restore your right to vote on this issue. Do not appeal. This time, the board should consider all the power that has to be shipped to Prince William County for these projects. Current data centers already use the equivalent of 650,000 homes of power. [03:04:45] What has been on the approved list would be eight times that amount, or 5 million homes of power. You are on course to strangle Prince William County in high power line. I hope Governor Spanberger takes the major data center development decision away from counties. [03:05:02] this has to be done because of the power issue data should be transmitted long distance not power these data centers are being built in the wrong location these major projects should be built co-located with power generation this can only be done efficiently in southwest virginia this should should be the state issue not a county issue the third is a national issue but it impacts every prince william county resident all candidates and elected officials should comment on this subject Trump is stealing from you. [03:05:34] Tariffs are paid by Americans, not foreign companies or countries. This tax is being taken under false pretense. Only American importers pay this tax. It can then be passed on to their customers, so you will, in the end, pay this tax. [03:05:52] I am walking near Haymarket Walmart with my sign to get this message to everyone. When early voting starts, I will move to that location. I want to have a meaningful discussion with the voters. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Kaczmarek. [03:06:08] Next speaker, please. The next speaker is Keith Snyder. Mr. Snyder. Greetings, board. Greetings, Chair Jefferson. Greetings, board. Greetings, Chair Jefferson. [03:06:24] Thank you very much for this opportunity to speak. I've heard a lot of fantastic arguments that are, in some cases, not in some cases, dramatic and extra theatrical and attempts to get a point across. One excellent point that was brought up by Mike that just spoke is the bottom line that the electrical grid power to supply [03:07:01] these data centers does not exist. You're at a standstill on the power checkbook side of things, on the balance of electrical power you vote you only have like something like what 20 percent of your projects that have been approved that are attempting to get online and you're overloaded on the electrical side of things i was doing some research during this meeting looking to see how [03:07:34] the wind projects are doing on the eastern seaboard rhode island shut down new york shut down now yes those are both on a different electrical grid. However, ours, five, six days ago, Trump administration cuts 40 million to the wind project on offshore on Norfolk. That was our new power scheduled to come in in 2026. That's what all of these projects were counting on to start supplying [03:08:10] power in 2026. You're backlogged, you're overbooked in the electrical grid capacity side of things. Please apply some level of electrical grid responsibility to the 500,000 residents of Prince William County, not only the 400 people on Pageland Lane. [03:08:33] Please be responsible to the state of Virginia and to the entire PJM 13 state grid that's counting on some logical decisions, some responsible decisions to take place from our county regarding electrical demands. [03:08:54] We are overloading the system. Please also consider deferring until our district here in Gainesville has representation. And please make a financially responsible decision in not moving forward with appealing an improper notice that you guys apparently knew about before going into this last appeal or into the appeal process. Thank you. [03:09:22] Thank you, Mr. Snyder. Next speaker, please. our next speaker is uh lana craven miss craven hello can you hear me i can hello yes we can hear you miss craven we can hear you can happen uh can you hear me yes we can why is the box muted [03:09:49] we having technical difficulties uh hold on ma'am okay okay hello hi can you hear me i can uh can anybody else hear us we can hear her yes we can okay thank you uh my name is lana craven and i live in the Gainesville district. I'd first like to say that I hope that you supervisors will vote [03:10:25] no on joining the Prince William Digital Gateway lawsuit appeal. And next, I'd like to talk about the Bristow campus application, which has been attempted four times. I have to question if the reason it wasn't yet deferred again today is because my Gainesville district is left unrepresented, which means the applicant has one less no vote, which also means supervisors have no integrity in allowing the application to proceed. For years, our Gainesville and Brunsville community has been pleading with you all to stop the rampant approval of data centers. [03:11:03] And for years, the majority of you ignore us and shove this industrialization down our throats while lining your pockets with their bribes we now know that all our warnings of air light and noise pollution hold true that our grid is overwhelmed and outages are imminent we know that our watershed and wells are in jeopardy and yet you continue to give data centers every inch they ask for regardless of the zoning neighboring schools and homes i am reminded of the classic story of the poor fisherman that comes upon a golden fish that grants wishes. The fisherman's [03:11:41] wife is not unlike the data center industry as the more she receives from the golden fish, the more she wants. Unfortunately, greed gets the best of the fisherman's wife and the couple is left with nothing. Prince William County too will lose it all if you don't start denying these applications. So I am asking you all today to stop the greed and either defer or deny Bristol campus rezoning. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Ms. Craven. Any additional speakers? [03:12:14] Yes, we have two speakers. Our first speaker is Simon DeJong. Mr. DeJong? Hi. Yeah, hi. Good afternoon. My name is Simon DeJong. I'm a Gainesville property owner and I am speaking to today in support of fairness in due process as it relates to the Prince William Digital Gateway. [03:12:38] My family owns a 20-acre property on Route 29. It's just around the corner from Present Lane, and we've owned and maintained this property for well over four decades. And just for context, our property was not included in the 2023 data center rezoning, so our property is not part of the so-called digital gateway. Having said that, me and my family, we do support the arrival of data centers along Pacement Lane. We welcome the economic activity it will bring to the area. [03:13:10] We believe it is an appropriate use of land for that area. And also, like many of your constituencies and many of the people who spoke today, we feel that the recent ruling on the Oak Valley case was a deeply flawed one. However, and whatever your personal views are on data centers, whether you support them or not. What really matters here in this case is that the county stands behind its own legally binding decisions. The county approved the rezoning of land surrounding patient lane for use by data centers. Now, obviously, what we're talking about [03:13:46] today is the recent ruling against the county on technicalities, and you must now decide whether or not to appeal. And I, like many of the other speakers today, firmly believe it is the right thing to do. I believe that if Prince William County will not stand behind its own decisions, it sends a message that their decisions hold little value. It sends a message that it favors one small, loud and, dare I say, privileged group of constituents over other constituents. [03:14:18] It sends a message that Prince William County is not a reliable party for those seeking to do business. And it sends a message that it does not respect the principles of fairness and due process. I'm asking the county to please uphold those principles. Let the Virginia courts resolve legal matters. Please do not abandon due process. Please help defend the private property rights of your constituents. And please appeal the Oak Valley HOA case. Thank you for letting me speak today. [03:14:50] Thank you, Mr. Dijon. Next speaker, please. we have a speaker question abdolson uh close hisham abul hassan and thank you no problem thank you for uh giving me the opportunity to speak today um from representing the gainesville district um i have heard both sides you know people are making Catholic arguments on both sides but really um i'm supporting the uh appeal for the uh judge irving's case um and really the main reason [03:15:25] is somebody spoke earlier that we should look at other types of economic development other than data centers. I echo what the gentleman before me said that if the Board of County Supervisors does not decide to go forward with the appeal, I don't believe there's going to be much economic development on PageZone Lane and around Prince William County as a whole because of this lack of faith and trust in the decisions that the board has taken so very simply we should let the [03:16:03] fair american judicial system take its course and whatever ends up happening we should all just accept it because you know we are all living under this uh these guidelines um and those who say that you know they have the right to appeal and will appeal to the virginia supreme court They find that their cases have merit and have standing while they're ruling or judging when out of position that others don't have that same right. [03:16:32] So thank you either way, and we really appreciate all your efforts, and we understand the position that you guys are in. And thank you for your time. Thank you, Mr. Abolashian. Any more speakers? We have no more speakers. [03:16:50] Okay, thank you for your help, Chris. Back to you, Madam Chair. Thank you so very much. And this concludes our public comment time. We are going to move into agenda item number seven. And that is the public hearings, including consolidated land use public hearings. [03:17:06] Before I open the public hearings, I was going to open them all together. Does anyone on the dais have any questions or comments, concerns? All right. Seeing none, I would like to open the public hearings for items 7A through 7H. [03:17:33] We have no in-person speakers. Do we have anyone online? No one online? All right, so, well, let me firmly open in the close. [03:17:49] I've opened the public home in time for 7A through 7H. We do not have any speakers in person or online, so I am going to close the public hearings for items 7A through 7H. I did not have anyone from the dais wanted to take any of these separately. [03:18:07] If not, I'm going to go ahead, and I would like to get, I'm sorry, Supervisor Bodie, then Bailey. Thank you, Madam Chair. When we're going to vote, can we pull out 7F to vote on separately? All right. Bailey? All right. [03:18:28] And I just want to know, are these because we have questions? Because if we, or need additional clarification? No, it's just I'm going to vote differently on this one than the other one. And Supervisor Bailey? Okay. [03:18:44] All right. Well, so let me go ahead. I would like to get a motion for 7A, 7B, 7D, 7E, 7G, and 7H. So moved, Madam Chair. Second. All right. [03:18:59] Any discussion on those items? Supervisor Gordy. Thank you, Madam Chair. Item 7G and 7H, the Noakesville Business Park, very excited about this project. We just heard a lot of conversations about the impacts of data centers. [03:19:17] And we all know that one of the significant impacts of data centers is it's making land unaffordable for small businesses to operate. And those who do have properties today are struggling under the heavy tax burden of property values that are being imposed on our small businesses. [03:19:37] The Noakesville Business Park is a solution to help us open the doors for small businesses to have a chance to make it in Prince William County. And so I really appreciate all the work that has been done from the county staff. [03:19:54] We went through a lot of work on this case to make sure that we get this right, to make sure it's compatible with the Noakesville community, maintains our rural feel, while at the same time ensuring that, as the board, as the last comp plan looked at providing these opportunities in the Noakesville industrial area. [03:20:16] So, again, I appreciate all the work that's been done on this and look forward to its approval. Supervisor Bodie. Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. Just quickly wanted to echo and reflect a lot of what my colleagues just said and thank the planning staff, thank the applicant and all the work that they've done. [03:20:33] I see this as an end conversation, frankly. We know that, as was said, data centers are the big dog on the court right now, but we do have to make room for other types of businesses, and sometimes we can co-locate those things depending on the opportunities given. So I hope that the applicant works not only with the planning staff, with Christina Wynn and other folks, that as we continue to have conversations, around siting, industrial, and these warehouse and flex uses that we see this as not an or conversation but an and conversation because I know there's opportunities with data center developers and other large industrial uses to allow them to defray some of those costs around getting this land to then still create space for smaller businesses [03:21:12] that we know we need to have thrive in this community. So I wanted to uplift that and really appreciate the work that was done on this. Thank you, Madam Chair. All right, seeing there were further speakers, So I would like to go ahead and vote on 7A, B, D, E, G, and H. [03:21:39] All right, going back to 7C, Supervisor Bailey. Thank you, Madam Chair. Rick, if you could please. This is a case that we had discussed maybe even last year, I think. I'm not sure. But I just wanted to make sure in our negotiations, if you will, that the property owners had come together and made this decision. [03:22:01] Could you just kind of elaborate as to what has happened here? Yes, ma'am. Madam Chair, members of the board, Rick Canazales here, Director of Transportation. Thank you for the question, Supervisor Bailey. It's the same case, but it's a different case. And what we're dealing here is we're dealing with the food line. [03:22:16] We found that as we were doing our research on the shopping center and as we were doing our negotiations like we met with the developers in that area, we found that the food line was a separate entity there that had an access easement through the property that we needed. So we needed to clear the easement as well for FoodLine, not just for the developer that we're dealing with. [03:22:37] Just so you know an update, we are continuing our efforts to negotiate. We have received their ask as well as an appraisal and the reasons. We're negotiating that between the two developers now, but this is a different matter with the FoodLine that we're trying to settle. [03:22:54] Because FoodLine is corporate, it's taking a little longer than expected, but we need to move forward on the property. But we should be able to handle this with Food Lion Corporation as soon as we get some word. Okay, great. I appreciate the clarity. Thank you, ma'am. And Madam Chair, with that, I'd like to move this forward, please. [03:23:10] Second. All right, any further discussion? If not, let's go ahead and take our votes. Vote unanimous. [03:23:28] All right, 7F, Supervisor Bode. So I was just going to reserve my comments for discussion. Well, did you have any questions or anything? All right. So can I get a motion to move this forward? So moved, Madam Chair. Second. All right, Supervisor Bode. [03:23:45] Thank you, Madam Chair. Just wanted to explain the vote, because I'm going to be voting against this one. As folks remember, I voted against the authorizations of public hearing, and that's because, as I've said a couple times now, when we vote to authorize a public hearing, we're voting in favor of what's written on the ordinance at that time. [03:24:01] I was not in favor of the fee increase back then. I'm not in favor of the fee increase right now. Now, I do want to say I appreciate the opportunity to meet with some of the folks from the towing industry on this. They gave me some insight as to why some of these decisions were made. I understand that, as was said before, the General Assembly changed some things earlier this year that went into effect July 1. [03:24:22] They lost the ability to charge fees around fuels and gas, which puts them in a deficit situation based on where they sit right now. However, we were given the statutory authority to go up to $210, and that's what we're currently looking at right now. [03:24:38] I just don't like the idea of us going from where we are right now to the statutory maximum without a more robust community conversation about how this may impact residents who get towed. That all said, I know I'm going to be outvoted on this one, but I did want to just say that I understand that folks need to be made whole. [03:24:57] I'm not against raising the fees up to at least shore up what's being lost by the change of the General Assembly this past July. However, I don't think enough discussion has been had before raising it to the statutory maximum, so I will be voting against this. Thank you, Madam Chair. All right. Supervisor Bailey, then Franklin. [03:25:13] Thank you very much. Madam Chair, I'm going to support this. I wanted to thank the meetings that I've had with the company in reference to this, that this is a state enhancement, and we need to make sure that we are really abiding by it, but also from a partnership with the company, making sure that we are going along in a positive trajectory with it. [03:25:42] The other thing that I wanted to say is I appreciate in the conversations the education that I had with this. I think in terms of the dais, we might, and going back to what we were talking about this morning, about talking together and understanding who's working on what, this might be an opportunity for us to give an even higher level of service as we do this increase in the communities with things like the tractor-trailer trucks and talking to our HOAs as it relates to what kind of problems they're having in the communities. [03:26:17] So I see this as an opportunity not just to increase the fees, but also a higher level of service with our community. So I am going to support it, but I just wanted to say that based on the conversations that I had, the meetings that I've had with the companies. Supervisor Franklin. [03:26:34] Yeah, just wanted to clarify, the first vote we took, I think about a month ago, was only to authorize the public hearing. Today, we're actually voting on whether or not to increase the fees or not, so I just wanted to clarify that. Thank you. All right, I don't see any other speakers. [03:26:51] If we can, go ahead and take a vote. Motion passes for yeses. [03:27:11] Supervisor Bodie voting no, and, I'm sorry, excuse me, Supervisors Angry, Bailey, Bodie, and Franklin voting yes. [03:27:33] as well as Supervisor Gordy, Supervisor Vega absent from the vote, Chair Jefferson voting yes. You had the wrong, so Vody voted no, Franklin abstained, and then everyone else was a yes. Everyone voting yes. [03:27:51] Okay, so we can do it again. [03:28:48] Would you like us to, okay. [03:29:06] May any member do a voice call? [03:29:33] Yes, we can. Supervisor Bailey? Aye. Supervisor Angry? Aye. Supervisor Vody? No. Supervisor Franklin? Abstaining. Supervisor Gordy. [03:29:49] Aye. Chair Jefferson. Aye. Motion passes four to one with Supervisor Franklin abstaining and Supervisor Bodie voting nay. Thank you so very much. And with that, we are now moving on to agenda item number eight, and that is county executive time. [03:30:10] Mr. Shorter, the floor is now yours. All right. Thank you very much, Madam Chair, members of the board. Good afternoon. I have a few items I wanted to go over. One, there was a new directive issued during our last meeting. I was directed to work with appropriate staff to develop a plan for launching a restaurant week in the county. [03:30:30] This was assigned to economic development and tourism. There was one directive closed since our last meeting. Staff was directed to provide or develop options and recommendations for the creation of a housing assistance program for residents facing immediate eviction and loss of housing. [03:30:49] You received a memo from me last month providing different options for the board's consideration and the need for guidance to staff. I also sent a note last month to the board regarding broadcasting committee meetings. [03:31:06] To promote greater transparency and accessibility, we are now live streaming the board's legislative and finance and budget committee meetings held here in the board chambers. As with regular board meetings, the committee meetings will be live streamed, posted on the website, and rebroadcast on the county's cable channel. [03:31:26] I recently sent a memo to the board about significant strides that we are taking in improving the customer experience related to the permitting process here in the county. To the board, over the past several months, county staff have actively worked through 35 improvement recommendations ranging from operational enhancements to system upgrades, with 15 already fully implemented and 12 in progress. [03:31:58] These completed actions demonstrate a clear commitment to customer service and to process excellence. Some highlights include faster and more predictable plan reviews, enhanced communication and coordination, smarter use of technology, enhanced focus on training for staff, and innovation in the inspections options for customers. The Building and Development Division of our Department of Development Services has also established a dedicated building review improvement team [03:32:33] focused on enhancing communications, accelerating commercial plan reviews, and expanding third-party review opportunities. These efforts reflect the hard work, the commitment of county staff to streamline the services and enhance transparency. So just really want to thank the staff, all of the staff involved in the work that has been done up to this point, fully understanding that we have significant work to do. Especially want to thank Mandy, the Director of Development Services, and and Wade Hugh, who has really been a great liaison and leader for this effort. [03:33:11] So thank you, thank you, thank you. And finally, kudos. There were certainly well-deserved kudos to the library staff at Chin Park Library. It has been named Inside NOVA's Best Library of Prince William County for 2025. [03:33:30] So big thank you and shout-out to library staff. I also want to recognize and share that Prince William County was the recipient of three 2025 VACO Achievement Awards this year. The Department of Transportation won for Route 234, Corridor Mobility Program. [03:33:50] I'm not sure if Transportation is still here. The Office of Elections won for their Elections Open House. I actually attended that Open House. Phenomenal idea. Great work. And ADC, who was here earlier, won for their reentry center program, which I've also toured, and it's absolutely phenomenal work. [03:34:10] Finally, I want to just recognize staff in the planning office who are here and our Department of Transportation, who were speakers at three sessions during the American Planning Association Virginia Chapter 2025 conference this summer. [03:34:26] So I saw a post on social about it and wanted to make sure that I mentioned it today. They highlighted the great work happening in the county around affordable housing, the work to update the noise ordinance and efforts to develop inclusive multimodal transportation options. [03:34:45] And so just really an opportunity, as always, to thank the staff for the great work. It's always wonderful to get on social and see Prince William County receiving kudos. So thank you to the planning staff and to transportation. And Madam Chair, that is all for me, unless there are any questions. [03:35:02] Thank you. Well, first, congratulations to planning. I also wanted to mention for book lovers, friends of the library. The different libraries have friends, people who do book sales that benefit our libraries. And I've got to give a shout out to Chin. I was there the other couple weeks ago. I got a great book that I have been, had my eye on for a while called 50 Shades of Chicken. If any of you guys know about the 50 Shades of Grey series this is kind of a parody but with chicken and really some really great recipes so um thank you everyone does anyone else have anything i don't see anyone all right thank you mr shorter [03:35:41] we are going to go over to the county attorney madam attorney the floor is yours thank you madam chair members of the board this afternoon in closed session there will be consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members pertaining to discussions concerning an economic development item regarding a prospective business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business or industry's interest in locating their facility in the county along with the discussion or consideration of the disposition of publicly held real property all where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the litigating posture bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body we will have consultation with legal counsel [03:36:19] and briefings by staff members pertaining to discussions concerning an economic development item regarding an expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business or industry's interest in expanding their facilities in the county, along with the related discussion or consideration of the investment of public funds where economic development matters, where competition or bargaining is involved, where if made public initially, the financial interest of the county would be adversely affected, along with the discussion or consideration of the disposition of publicly held real property, all where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the litigating posture, bargaining position, or [03:36:54] negotiating strategy of the public body. We will have consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members regarding the following actual litigation. Gainesville Citizens for Smart Growth et al. versus Prince William County Board of Supervisors. Circuit Court case number CL22-9905. [03:37:11] Oak Valley Homeowners Association, Inc. et al. versus Prince William County Board of Supervisors et al. Court of Appeals record number 1144-24-4. Katie Burke et al. versus Board of County Supervisors et al. Circuit Court case number CL24-334. Court of Appeals case number 2025. [03:37:30] dash 24-4 and oak valley homeowners association inc at al versus prince william county board of supervisors at al circuit court case number cl24-375 along with the accompanying legal consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel pertaining to land use law and litigation where such consultation discussion or briefing in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position negotiating strategy or litigating posture of the public body we will have consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel pertaining to the freedom of information [03:38:09] act the attorney client privilege and the attorney work product doctrine where such consultation discussion or briefing in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position negotiating strategy or litigating posture of the public body and finally we will have consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members pertaining to actual or probable litigation with the related legal advice regarding public nuisance and possible legal claims in response to the manufacture, marketing, sale, and distribution of opioids, and regarding a potential settlement with Albogen, Amnil, Apotex, Hikma, Endevior, Mylan, Sun, and Zidius, along with the Purdue [03:38:48] Pharma and their bankruptcy plan and the Sackler family, all for their role in the distribution, manufacture, and sale of pharmaceutical opioid products where consultation, briefing, or discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position, litigating posture, or negotiating strategy of the public body. [03:39:05] These items are appropriate for closed session pursuant to 2.2-3711A35678 of the Code of Virginia. So moved, Madam Chair. Second. All right, let's go ahead and take our votes. Vote unanimous. [03:39:31] All right, thank you. And we are now going to go on to agenda item number 10, that is agency time. Mr. Shorter, the floor is now yours. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. With item 10A, we are asking the board to accept budget and appropriate $24.4 million allocated to Prince William County Public Schools. [03:39:53] Prince William County Public Schools CFO is here, Shaquille Youssef. If there are any questions and if not, we ask the board's consideration. All right, not everyone at once. All right. Second. Okay. Wait, Supervisor Bode, did you have anything or a question? Okay. Supervisor Gordy, then Franklin. Madam Chair, just for purpose of clarification, these are funds that are being provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia for specified purposes, such as history, classes, special education, and I think there was one other category, [03:40:32] but it's directed funds to very specific programs provided by the Commonwealth. Good afternoon, Chair Jefferson, members of the Board of County Supervisors, and County Executive Mr. Shorter. [03:40:54] So there are two tranches of money. The specific amount was $4.3 million for special ed, was an add-on. The other source of funds were the lifting of the support cap, which was introduced in 2008-2009, and that was specific to certain positions. [03:41:14] During the Great Recession, the State General Assembly put a cap on it, so there was nothing specifically directed with the $20 million. I'm sorry, thank you. There was something that specified about history programs? [03:41:34] So what we had provided in our memo to Mr. Shorter was that the way we would use this money, because it came late, it came after we had approved our budget, was that we would... [03:41:50] Okay. There was $10 million that we are allocating for the social studies in Korean technical education curriculum. The state is adopting a new curriculum this year, and so we โ€“ well, they're starting the adoption process this year. [03:42:08] So we are allocating $10 million. The other $10 million, obviously, is going to go towards our CIP to reduce bond sales. Thank you very much. That's all I had for that matter. Supervisor Franklin? [03:42:23] Yeah, thank you for this. I'm definitely supportive and just wanted to provide some additional context. As mentioned, the state had a support cap on this type of programming for the past couple of years, and VACO really lobbied hard to get that removed. [03:42:42] This is bipartisan in nature as well, And so now there can be additional funds coming to localities for, I guess, additional costs that the localities would generally have to take care of. But now the state is kind of doing its part again. [03:42:58] So this is definitely welcomed here, I would think. And, again, just wanted to clarify that it's bipartisan from the General Assembly, and VACO worked really hard to get that support cap moved. And it was one of the recommendations from the JLARC study. [03:43:15] All right. Thank you. Supervisor Bailey? Thank you, Madam Chair. Just to echo, especially the $4 million for the special needs in education was critical in the JLARC study, so just wanted to acknowledge that. And also to acknowledge that one of the things that we've had robust discussion on in the day is driven by our own beloved Supervisor Weir is you just explaining what these funds are for. [03:43:43] So we appreciate you coming to have a more in-depth explanation as we are allocating funding. I think that helps the public understand and certainly helps us to understand with the allocation. So we appreciate your presence, Mr. Youssef. All right. Thank you very much. [03:44:00] It doesn't look like we have any more questions, so let's go ahead and take the vote. Vote unanimous. All right. Thank you very much. We are now on to agenda item number 11. [03:44:17] And before we do our individual updates, I'm actually going to break up what we have listed here. I would like to get a motion for 11A through 11F. So moved. Second. All right. Any discussion? We can go ahead and take our vote. All right. [03:44:42] Thank you. For the next one is 11G, and that is to amend our calendar. We did not have enough items for the evening session on September 23rd. Can I get a motion to move that forward? So moved, then. Chair. Second. Any discussion on this item? [03:44:58] All right. We can go ahead and take our vote. It disappeared. [03:45:21] Are you causing trouble over there? All right, thank you. [03:45:38] And finally, 11H, and that was the way of the rules and procedures and appoints Cindy Fox at a board of equalization. Can I get a motion? So moved, Madam Chair. All right, and a discussion, Supervisor Bode. Just very quickly, wanted to thank the board for their consideration on this. [03:45:53] I know that Sue Reyesus Vega and Franklin before August recess did something similar. I know that the board of equalization has had some quorum issues and wanted to build up their membership back, so happy to help support that effort. thank you madam chair all right i don't see anyone else in queue so let's go ahead and take our vote unanimous all right thank you very much i am going to actually get started with um the individual updates and i'm probably going to need a little bit extra time because i'm going to do something on behalf of the gainesville office but first i'd like to put in a notice of [03:46:32] intent i would like to announce my nose to intent um eric spencer to the advisory plan review board As for directives, I have a follow-up directive on PLAs, and that's Project Labor Agreements. I'd like to thank all of those who have supported working more closely with labor. [03:46:52] As you may recall, on July 2, 2024, the board directed staff to bring back options for a county ordinance on Project Labor Agreements. As a follow-up, staff provided a memorandum to the board responding to the board's directive on October 4, 2024, and identified key next steps for implementing project labor agreements based on the Department of Labor Project Agreement Resource Guide, the implementation of project labor agreements in Federal Construction Projects Report, and research from surrounding jurisdictions. [03:47:25] Staff recommended the Board consider budgeting and appropriating funds to procure on-call consulting services, including feasibility studies and PLA implementation services. Staff stated this step is required to evaluate a project for project labor agreement consideration. [03:47:46] Rod's procure, the consultant will work with staff to ultimately bring forward recommendations for the board's consideration and then agreements to the procurement regulations to include criteria for project labor agreements. Therefore, without objection, I would like to direct the county executive to work with staff to prepare a resolution for the Board's consideration to budget and appropriate $300,000 of contingency funding to begin this process and procure on-call Project Labor Agreement Consulting Services. [03:48:21] The consulting services should include feasibility studies and Project Labor Agreement implementation services consistent with staff recommendations detailed in the Directive Response to Resolution 24-30. The county attorney's office is directed to review the information and recommendations for any legal issues. The resolution shall be considered, shall be included for consideration by the board during the September 23rd board meeting or as soon as feasibly possible thereafter. [03:48:54] Supervisor Franklin. Yeah, I'm obviously supportive of PLAs and want to support this. I just want clarity. So the 300K, that's just so that when we identify projects that we want PLAs on, we can go to this consultant for them to give us advice on. [03:49:16] Yeah, so I just want clarity on how that will be used. Sure. The 300K is essentially the funded amount for the on-call consultant to provide really to give us advice on how we design the appropriate PLA projects to identify for the board's consideration and how we design a program consistent with what we are allowed to do. [03:49:43] Okay, so I guess that makes sense. So this would be kind of the first step, and then if we have certain projects that we want PLAs on, that would be kind of a next step? I think that the way that we are envisioning this is that the consultant will actually help us to identify or at least create criteria for projects that are ideal for PLA as is designed or allowed here in the Commonwealth. [03:50:12] And so we will work through procurement with the consultant. They would identify criteria for the projects, and then we will come back to the board to really for the board's consideration in terms of the project that would be identified or projects that would be identified. [03:50:27] There we go. And so our procurement officer just came in. Jaina, feel free to add to what I just said if it was all right. So I think we're good, just in case. [03:50:45] Good afternoon. I may have missed something running down the steps. So what was the question again? The question was from Supervisor Franklin. She was just asking what the $300,000 would be used for. What I said was that the consultant would essentially be advisory and on call. [03:51:06] that the consultant would help provide essentially some criteria for the types of projects that could be ideal for PLA. And so if there's anything more that you wanted to add. Right. So the consultant would provide PLA consulting services. [03:51:22] They would evaluate what it would take for the county to stand up a PLA implementation. We would consider a project that we may want to do a pilot on. They would evaluate all of the resources that we need to stand up a program. You good? All right. Thank you so very much for coming down. And the second directive is on behalf of the Gainesville District. The late Supervisor Bob Weir had been working on this, and I need to issue a follow-up to move this forward. [03:51:56] At the March 4, 2025 meeting, the board issued Directive 25-07 directing staff to review the memorandum of agreement with the incorporating towns regarding use of the Mike Pennington Scenario-Based Training Center and to evaluate options for absorbing the facility use costs within the police department's proposed budget. [03:52:16] the county executive responded to directive 2025-07 and explained if the board desires to eliminate the scenario-based training center costs of the towns a directive should be issued to move forward with the new agreements therefore without objection i would like to issue the following directive the county executive is directed to work with county staff to prepare amended memoranda of agreement between the prince william county police department and the incorporated towns of Prince William County for the use of the Mike Pennington Scenario-Based Training Center. [03:52:50] The amended agreement shall remove the established user fees, thereby eliminating the costs to the towns, and be re-executed with each participating town. The county executive should ensure that the amended agreements reflect the benefits and obligations under other agreements between the county and the towns, and that the agreements are consistent with the police department's proposed budget the county attorney's office is directed to review the amended agreements and provide legal guidance prior to the board consideration and execution i don't see any [03:53:25] objections so all right thank you and with that oh i made it with under time i would like to go to um supervisor bailey you sure yeah no no i thought there was someone in the queue all right that was me I hit it okay okay okay so first thing that I'd like to do is is to give my notice of intent for Mr. Marcus crew for the industrial development advisory board and I think you have a resume if [03:54:03] not I can get okay and then secondly for Miss Caprice Piper for the arts council okay and then to go into my announcements on August I was on vacation but I did a little work before August the 2nd, I participated in the back-to-school community event with Prince William County Community Foundation, Dr. Gaddis, she's wonderful, and Amazon, it was wonderful, and we gave out over 6,000 backpacks to our students, so that was exciting. [03:54:37] And then I was asked to be the guest speaker for our annual 32nd annual African American Heritage Festival, which is over 125 exhibitors celebrating our African American heritage here in Prince William County with a platform for community engagement with the county and surrounding cities and towns. [03:55:01] On the second, I was asked to be the guest speaker for My Praise My Worship for their 17th annual scholarship concert, and it was absolutely great. Congratulations to Ms. Beverly Smith for the great job that she does in our community. On the 4th of August, I participated and supported the annual Old Dominion Chapter Golf Tournament for the Lynx Incorporated, where we also provide awards and scholarships for our students here in the community. [03:55:33] So thank you to my Lynx sisters for such a great job and for the community for your support. And then on the 5th, we participated in the National Night Out at the Potomac Shores community, and it was so much fun. I almost got into the bouncy, but I did not. And then on the 6th, congratulations to one of our businesses, the Piedmont Meadows, who is opening up a winery, and this is to support our endeavor for agritourism. [03:56:01] And congratulations to Mr. Matthew Allen for all the work he's doing to build that small business here right in Triangle on Joplin Road. On the 7th, I met with Colonel Colgate for just introducing the Fettler Park Market Study and how we can partner with Quantico Base in reference to the market study. [03:56:23] And we've got some ideas that's going to go forth that we'll be introducing later. I'm honored to be the chair of the Health and Human Services Committee for VACO. And so we had our county official summit where I attended the summit along with my colleagues. [03:56:40] We talked about critical things like the legislative agenda that we talked about earlier and our alignment with how we can support the state of Virginia even more. And specifically for Health and Human Services, we focused on the error rate and the case management enhancements that we've got to do going forward for the state of Virginia. [03:57:02] On the 18th of May, I had a meeting with Mayor Wood and the town manager, Ms. Tangela Ennis, And we talked about the priorities for Dumfries, and so there's more to come there. And then on the 20th of August, I said April, but August, I participated in the Region 8 meeting where we honored Congressman Connolly's widow and the wonderful work that he's done here in our community and talked about legislative priorities as it relates to VACO and the region as well. [03:57:35] And congratulations to Mr. Bob Lozaro. On the 20th, we said fond farewell to him. He is the outgoing executive director for NVRC. And we welcome our new director, Craig Pfeiffer, who was very instrumental during COVID season and helping us with our COVID endeavors here in Prince William County. So welcome, Craig and Bob. I hope you have a blast. [03:57:58] On the 21st, confettis and cocktails, welcome to the neighborhood, please support. That's a new small business in my district. And then on the 21st, NVBIA, crab feast, we had a good time. And then lastly, yes, lastly, Bethel AME Church, family fun day. [03:58:17] We had a great time, Ms. Supervisor Franklin and I. But congratulations, most of all, on the September 4th, Wawa is here, ribbon cutting and Dumfries for their grand opening. We're really excited and that's all. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Supervisor Gordy, are you ready? I'm bouncing around. [03:58:36] All right, Madam Chair. I guess I'll go. I was going to defer until next week, but just hit a few highlights. First of all, I want to thank Public Works for the dumpster day held at Piney Branch School this past Saturday. As always, they always do a fantastic job. Fortunately, they got done before the storms hit and because it turned nasty pretty quick out there just a few things to highlight over the past month or so thank our police department and all the work and our first responders for the national night out that that was held Dan Alexander's entire that [03:59:14] whole division you know did a great job of connecting with our community so thank you for that. I attended also the George Mason University Job Fair put on by, I think it was at the request of Congressman Subramaniam. It was eye-opening. That's all I can say. To see folks clearly approaching retirement age looking for a job, it was eye-opening. So we clearly have some work to do. But I really appreciate all the work that was done to make that happen. I joined Supervisor [03:59:51] Vega on the opening day of the Miracle League Baseball League, which was just, my gosh, if you haven't done that, it will melt your heart. It was just phenomenal. And I appreciate all the volunteers that make that league happen for those with special needs within our community. [04:00:09] I joined on 818 with the Buckland Preservation Society to tour the Buckland Mills, that historical gem that we have in our county, to learn more about that and all the history that's there. Also attended the police promotion ceremony on the 25th and congratulate all of those who were promoted and look forward to their continued service with our police force. [04:00:35] Also attended on the 25th, the Prince William County Farm Bureau annual meeting. Helen Taylor wrapped up her nine years of leadership for the Farm Bureau. I want to congratulate her on a very fine job of leading the Farm Bureau and looking forward to the next chapter of that organization. [04:00:58] And then on the 28th, I met with the Silas Drive community about the developments surrounding their community and to understand their concerns, and then went to the Scottish Games Festival last weekend, which, you know, honors the Scottish heritage of all Virginians throughout the state. [04:01:18] So that was a great event. And then last week, the Progeny Systems and General Dynamics, their ribbon-cutting, while it was in Manassas, they do have their operations right next door to our office. And so it's all, you know, the tide is rising for everybody on that one. [04:01:35] So congratulations to Progeny on opening their new facilities and all the jobs that are being brought to that location from other parts of Northern Virginia. With that, that's all I have, Madam Chair. Thank you. All right, Supervisor Bode. Thank you. [04:01:51] A couple of announcements and a directive and then just a little bit of commentary to wrap things up. Coming up on October 4th, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., we have the Ocaguan District Fall Dumpster Day. So that's going to be at the Lake Ridge commuter lot, so the commuter lot that's on the corner of Old Bridge Road and Minnieville, right across the street from Tackett's Mill. [04:02:12] We're going to have glass recycling. We're going to have Too Good to Toss, so Be Thrifty will once again be joining us. So for things, furniture, clothing, other things that are too good to toss, we should not be throwing everything away. If we can retain and recycle some things, Be Thrifty will be joining us again to take donations um we will also be looking to try get the shred truck there um it's a good way to plan neighborhood cleanup uh for the fall barktoberfest is also coming in october saturday october 18th from 11 a.m to 1 p.m at canine gunner dog park right off of minneville road down the street from from tackett's mill we will be having um not only will it be our annual [04:02:50] barktoberfest but also be a celebration of the ada improvements that were recently completed over there um folks may not realize it but we do have a dog park over there on medieval road and for a long time you had mobility issues you can't really get up the hill over there so we work the parks department work with canine gunner to get uh ada accessible ramps ada accessible stairs an actual ada accessible uh porter potty bathroom over there as well and ada parking spots so really wanted to uplift that and have that part of celebration of arctoberfest again saturday october 18th 11 a.m to 1 p.m. at Canine Dog Park. [04:03:25] I did send out this directive to my colleagues before the recess, so I will go ahead and give it now. Madam Chair, on December 17, 2024, at my request, the board-issued Directive 24-58, which expressed the board's support for findings of the December 2024 J-LARC study on data centers. [04:03:45] This included J-LARC's recommendations for additional local authority regarding data center water use, sound impact evaluation and mitigation, electrical power load impacts. The board also expressed its support for legislation protecting utility rate payers from bearing the cost of new and expanded electric infrastructure driven solely by data center development, or significantly. [04:04:05] I would like to expand on and add to these issues addressed in Directed 24-58. Without objection, I would like to direct the county executive to work with staff and the county attorney's office to research, review, and evaluate the authority and potential options regarding the following issues. [04:04:21] clean energy procurement, renewable energy certificates, water quality sampling and stormwater containment plans, spill response plans for desoling chemicals, maximum power use effectiveness or PUE benchmarks, ensuring emergency generators meet Tier 4 DEQ standards and prioritize natural gas use, and six, implementation of decommissioning standards require removal of hazardous materials, demolition of reuse of buildings, and removal of subsurface infrastructure and financial security for decommissioning. [04:04:51] This work should include, but not be limited to, any recommendations regarding appropriate policies and regulations for board consideration. In addition, such work would draw upon other policies and documents already adopted by the board, including the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and 25-28 Strategic Plan. [04:05:09] Such research and recommendations should, where applicable, include proposed timelines, potential impacts, fiscal impacts, pertinent information for board consideration, including the impact of this work on county resources and prioritization of other directives. This work should also include, based on our conversation this morning, recommendations for our legislative agenda for next year. [04:05:28] The county attorney's office is directed to review the information and recommendations for any legal issues. When the research is complete, the county executive should report back to the board with research and recommendations during a board meeting by memorandum as appropriate. Bless you. [04:05:45] Seeing no objections to that, I know it was a mouthful. And lastly, I know that at the outset of this meeting, we had a lot of commendations, proclamations, but we had also had post-death, posthumous celebrations of life and commemorations of various folks, including our late seatmate, Supervisor Weir. [04:06:07] I'll just say that as we continue to talk about issues around cancer, sickness, health, sudden loss of loved ones and our family members, check on your neighbors. check on their family members. We have lost a lot of folks as a community, but we know that there are a lot of folks that we don't commemorate on here that are out there in the community that we lose every single day to various issues. It touched me to know that there are folks that are newly grandparents that will no longer be able to meet their grandchildren. My mom was one of those folks back when I had my first child back in 2021, so that cuts deep to know that folks cannot meet their grandparents and grandparents cannot meet their grandchildren. [04:06:46] So please keep everyone in mind. Please check in on your health. Please check in on your neighbors. Thank you, Madam Chair. All right, thank you so very much. Supervisor Franklin. Yes, thank you. On Saturday, August 2nd, I participated in African American Heritage Festival in Manassas, as well as the Prince William Community Foundation back-to-school event at Garfield High School, the largest so far, with I think north of 3,000 residents attending and giving out backpacks to really most of those individuals. [04:07:19] So thank you to all the community groups that supported that. Thank you to Dr. Vanessa Gattis, as well as the school system for their hard work in putting that together. On August 5th, I participated in National Night Out with our public safety officers, including our police, fire, as well as our sheriff's department. [04:07:39] We visited several neighborhoods, including Potomac Shores, Bayview Apartments, and the Woodbridge Townhouse and Apartment Complex. And so thank you to those communities for opening up to us, and we look forward to coming back each year. I also participate in the Vaco Summer Summit board meeting in Richmond on August 14th and the 15th, and also at the opportunity to participate in the Vaco Region 8 meeting, which I am a member held in the district at the Potomac Science Center at George Mason, Belmont Bay. [04:08:12] Sunday, August 24th, I participate in the Bethel AME Community Church Family Fund Day alongside Supervisor Bailey as well as Congressman Eugene Vindman. Had a great time there, and thank you to my chief of staff for organizing that on behalf of her church each year. [04:08:28] We look forward to visiting with church members. Also, on September 3rd, I toured the Longview Apartments and Townhouses to discuss their future projects as well as their renovations. I speak a lot about revitalizing the Route 1 corridor and the work that Bayview has done to really change their apartments around and really to upgrade the work they've done in the community. [04:08:52] They really are a great example of how we can work with property managers as well as our police department to really clean up a neighborhood from the ground up, and they have done a wonderful job of cleaning up their community. Also, lastly, attended the Haymarket Town Council meeting, recognizing the work of and legacy of Supervisor Bob Weir, the work that he's done on the Town Council, as well as remembrance of the work that he had done throughout the community, as well as on the Board of Supervisors. [04:09:26] So we really appreciate having the Town Council welcome members of the board and our staff, and as well as their memories and the words that they had to say about Supervisor Weir. It was great being able to connect and really meet a lot of them who I had not met before. [04:09:45] It was great having them here today as well as at our board meeting. Upcoming, this Saturday, I'll be hosting Dumpster Day at Rippon Middle School from 10 to 2. Police plan to come out. I also have the Woodbridge Rotary. Not sure what that means, but we're doing something with the Woodbridge Rotary. [04:10:04] as well. Also, I'm sponsoring the Fall Festival and Chili Cook-Off at Stonebridge, also on the 13th. And I am also participating in a panel on HR1 that discusses the federal impacts of SNAP and Medicaid and affordable housing on local communities. That's all happening on Saturday. I have no idea how I'm going to do all of them, but I will be at every single last one of them. [04:10:28] So I hope to see you guys there as well. And lastly, I would like to issue a directive just some context July 8th I the board authorized a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to establish a foundation and soil management fund this ordinance was based on new legislation from the General Assembly Delegate Henson alongside Senator of Carol Foy to help us develop a program to help with soil mitigation issues so without objection I would like to direct the county executive to work with staff to revise the language of the proposed draft [04:11:05] based on feedback from the board of the proposed draft foundation and soil management fund ordinance based on staff recommendations regarding issues raised by individual board members, industry, the public, and other stakeholders. I would like to further direct the county executive to work with staff to return to the board on November 18th with an agenda item where the board can review the revised draft language prior to scheduling and holding a public hearing. [04:11:32] On November 18th, the board can then consider whether to authorize a public hearing for December 16th when the board can consider adopting an ordinance on the revised draft language recommended by staff. Such recommendations should, where applicable, include timelines, fiscal impacts, and other pertinent impacts for board consideration. [04:11:52] The county attorney's office is also directed to review the information and recommendations for any legal issues without objection. It doesn't seem like any objections, but I just want to remind you, Supervisor Franklin, if you need additional judges for the chili cook-off, I'm here. [04:12:09] Okay, I'm here. All right, Supervisor Angry. Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to start by saying congratulations to President Ann Kress, Dr. Richmond Hill, and the Nova Campus here in the Yapsco District for opening our very first data center operations. [04:12:28] Now, you want to know what that means. So there is a state-of-the-art training facility here at Nova Campus in the Workforce Development Center that literally takes in high school students and basically anybody that wants a certification and working in the industry of data centers in the field of the electronics of it all. [04:12:50] So they like to call it the digital playground, and it's a sight to see if you haven't seen it, so I would welcome anyone to go over there and take a look at that operation. We cut the ribbon on that last Friday. And, again, just state of the art. [04:13:05] So if you get a chance, go by and check it out. Neosco District now has a data center. Thank you very much. I did a lot over this break, so I don't want to get into all of that. I just want to thank everyone for all the time that I've had in visiting everyone. Just note that this Thursday, September 11th, we're doing our memorial piece right out here on the grounds again for, again, another September 11th ceremony. [04:13:33] Saturday, Dell City Christian Church is doing a food giveaway. So for those that are interested, that time is going to be from 9 to roughly 11 a.m. So if you're in the area, stop by, help out, or just if you need anything, they're going to be there for you. [04:13:50] The bigger thing I want to really talk about is this next Saturday, the 20th, I'm going to be having my Neopsville Dumpster Day and Shred Day, which is always a big hit for Shred, I will say that. People come from all over. So we do that, we put that on because we recognize how important that is. [04:14:07] So next Saturday, excuse me, 20 September from roughly, let me get this time right for you guys, from 9 to 1 p.m., and that's going to be at the Gemini Way commuter lot there. We're going to be doing our dumps today. [04:14:25] And just the last thing I really want to talk about is something that I found to be very cool is the let me open that up here i should have had that ready for you guys there's the the kids uh hold on a second folks so i can get back here and pull this up this is why you write this stuff down uh teens on the right step youth services talk about something very cool so at the uh [04:14:59] cloverdale park and this is on uh saturday september 20th from 12 to 4 cloverdale park teens on the right step celebration they've got a lot of activities going on out here flag football three-point shooting competition game truck mobile library cornhole axe throwing and they've got a sports competition sign up with a game truck interactive game activities bounce house face painting food and beverages all that is from roughly 12 to 4 at again cloverdale park i think that's going to be something something that all of us should take advantage of so i hope [04:15:36] to see you all out there i will be stopping by and probably spending all the time out there doing some sports trying not to hurt myself so that's all i have thank you madam chair thank you everyone and we are going to now go into closed um session i'm going to give all the supervisors five minutes which i know means seven minutes or ten minutes or i'll have to come find folks [04:15:58] but five minutes all right thank you from closed session first i would like to get a motion and a [04:17:36] second to certify a closed session. So moved. Second. All right. Let's take our vote. Vote unanimous. All right. Thank you. On our next agenda item, Supervisor Bailey, or not agenda item, but our next item out of closed session reporting out. Okay. Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion to authorize and approve Prince William County's participation in the proposed [04:18:09] settlements of opioid-related claims against Alvagen, Amnil, Apotex, Hykma, and Divar, Mylan, Sun, and Zytus, and their related corporate entities and direct the county's attorney and or the county's outside legal counsel to execute the documents necessary to effectuate the county's participation in the settlements for all magisterial districts. [04:18:36] Second. All right, let's go ahead and take a vote on that. Vote unanimous. All right, thank you. We have something else to read out. [04:18:52] Supervisor Bode. Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we accept the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy plan and approve the county's participation in the proposed direct settlement of opioid-related claims against the Sackler family and direct the county attorney and or the county attorney's legal counsel to execute the documents necessary to accept the plan and effectuate the county's participation in the settlements. [04:19:16] Second. All right. Let's go ahead and take a vote on that. Vote unanimous. All right. And the third report out, Supervisor Angry. [04:19:31] Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I make a motion to the objection to disclosure of any confidential legal advice provided by or communications with the county attorney's office including but not limited to a purported november 30th 2023 email from the county attorneys entitled confidential legal advice reference advertisement notices for the third the three digital gateway rezoning public hearings on december 12th second all right let's go ahead [04:20:02] and take a vote on that vote unanimous and the fourth item supervisor angry thank you madam chair recently the judge issued a ruling in the second lawsuit challenging the board legislative action in the three digital gateway rezoning application the judge's order not only impacted these rezonings it could impact the board's ability to make legislative decisions in the future therefore in order to protect its legal options and its ability to defend future legislative [04:20:36] actions i move the board directs the county attorney to file a notice of appeal and any other documents which are necessary in oak valley hoa versus board of county supervisors case number cl24-375 second any discussion let's go ahead and take a vote motion passes four to two supervisors gordy and chair jefferson voting nay all right we have a lot of new faces [04:21:14] here before we get started with the seven o'clock meeting which we are now at 706 i would like to read a couple things so that we ever understands how the process will work first of all i want to thank everyone for coming out and speaking tonight because i always say there's so many places that you can be but you are here because you care um about your community but as you see we have a large well okay we have a good number of speakers um is this public common time andrea is this a hearing okay you have the sign up sheets okay um so i'm gonna start out with a brief overview of those of you who are not familiar with our [04:21:54] land use public hearings. In a few moments, I'm going to ask the applicant for our first case to come up, and he's going to do a presentation. After the applicant has spoken, the county will have a chance to do a presentation, at which time, board members will be asking questions of both county and applicant. After all the presentations and questions answered have been completed, I will open the public hearing, and that will be your opportunity to share your input with the board. You will be allowed up to three minutes per person or up to five minutes if you're speaking on behalf of an organization as defined the board's rules [04:22:30] or procedure. And that also means only one representative per organization. There is a timer up on the screen. Please note that this is your opportunity to share your thoughts with the board. It is not an opportunity to ask questions of the board, of the applicant, the representatives, the county staff after all the in-person virtual speakers have completed their remarks i will close the public hearing and then the board will discuss the matter i know that there is a lot of passionate feelings tonight we've got a few different things we have three different items we're going to be discussing and again we ask that you focus on the application itself and the reasons that you either [04:23:08] support it or oppose it but please be respectful of others and their viewpoints there should be no outbursts during the meeting that includes in support or opposition of an application on what this or what a speaker has said and before i remind everyone thank you all for sitting um because everyone in board chambers needs to have a seat that's not my rule that's the fire marshal um and also neither food nor drinks are allowed in the chamber either again thank you for your patience and cooperation and we look forward to hearing from folks so with that i am going to [04:23:44] start with item 13a and that is the rezoning and for you first andre do i need to gavel in no yeah i'm just rolling so i will invite you up to come speak to come present chair jefferson members of the board uh thank you very much for your time i'm mark fiani with law firm being kenny and with me also is my colleagues austin haynes and andrew craig uh the property owner uh and our development team as well uh appreciate your time tonight and appreciate the time and effort put in [04:24:20] by staff on this and the members of the committee for their participation what we're going to walk through briefly is what i hope you'll find is a transformative project for a property that's fairly high profile as a gateway entrance into the county and the goal is to beautify this property and redevelop it for the residential project consistent with the comprehensive plan and consistent with the county's uh plans for uh policy housing policy both with adus and diversity of housing so we're turning right next to this is the property right itself it's the support and health is by way of orientation this is 95 you see 123 and the Occoquan River is right over there to our immediate east is the VRE station [04:24:58] and then we have you know Occoquan Elementary which is being reconstructed immediately to our west there is a large project going on right now with VDOT with the intersection of 123 and 95 as well moving to the next slide the property itself is a 7.8 acre property here it's been used as a support and health facility since the mid-70s. As you're probably familiar with it, in December last year there was a fire from an adjacent property that unfortunately was one of those days you had high winds. It spread across that property onto this property, burnt this property basically down. [04:25:33] You had an existing building there. It's about 41,000 square feet, 41 feet tall, built in the 70s. The support and health facility is a valid non-conforming use. So the thought was, well, let's take a look and see. We can either redevelop this non-conforming use or we can look at what's going on with the county comprehensive plan here is again the property right here you'll notice the property is classified RN4 residential neighborhood 4 property is immediately to the the area nearby areas also residential 4 across the highway residential 4 and further behind us in the Occoquan activity district mixed use 4 so about the same kind of density what does that look [04:26:09] recommend basically townhouses and apartments and doing so the suitable zones for PMR and density of about 8 to 24 units per acre. I would note that we are at 10.25 units per acre on this project, residential 90 to 100%. We're at 100% residential. Building height, 48 stories. We're at a little over three stories, 41 feet tall, same height as the existing structure, and 20% open space. We're over 50% open space on this project. When we first started looking at this project back in 2021, consistent with the comprehensive plan, the thought was to come in with garden-style apartments. [04:26:43] Basically what you see here, you know 200 160 units of you know garden style apartments four stories a lot of parking a lot of surface parking Not as much open space not as much public amenities and the thought was well Let's take this out the community see what they have to say And this is a tracking chart of all the community output we've had We've had everything from personal letters to lots of personal meetings one-on-one with property owners each of these dots It just signifies who was at these meetings, all the way going up to various meetings over Occoquan Elementary to most recently a meeting under the leadership of Supervisor Buddy at the Occoquan Town Hall, you know, back in July. [04:27:20] And the thought was, feedback basically was look for something that's less dense. Look for something that's more in keeping with the character of the community. So we did that, and we started looking at the area that was dominated by there. And remember, the houses that you have right here are basically single-family houses on half-acre lots. [04:27:36] And the dominant use in that area really is townhouses. Townhouses is about a little over eight units per acre. And that was what the character is you see both on Double's Reach Road, which goes not only from the KFC down here, back through these four communities, but you see it also in the across street, other areas that are mixed use for or residential for. [04:27:55] So the thought was, well, let's do something that's kind of consistent with that. And so that's what we came up here. That's the plan you see before you now. This plan has also changed in reaction to community comments. You know, right now the buildings, you see the sticks of townhouses, those were rotated 90 degrees to avoid a situation where the residents were saying, we don't want to have a stick of townhouses, their backyards look into our backyard. [04:28:16] So we did that. And we also, this right here, this kind of spine road, road B, originally that was kind of proposed across the back of the property. And we thought those were good comments. And so that allowed us to put residential back to residential and get these houses so they weren't looking at each other in backyard with a community that's already there. [04:28:33] We are took an 80 unit 68 units of 20 foot 12 units is 16 foot in response to community comments We're way significantly more parking spaces than required under zoning and that's to make sure we situation that we don't have Residents or visitors from our community parking in the neighborhood. They're 50% open space. We're under zoning. We're required for 30% under the plan required for 20% significant tree coverage where it's going to end up doing 70 about 72,000 square feet of a tree coverage where we'd be required to do about just under 50,000 square feet and that's just on site what I think is important to remember remember we talked about the proposal for the VDOT VDOT came [04:29:12] along and started clearing off all these trees as part of the road so in addition to that and we'll talk later on you're going to see significant off-site plantings along the VDOT right away to restore that we do have on-site management in the property so of this 80 units one will be on-site manager is available to help and anybody having a problem or address issues in the community 24 hours a day we are providing 10% ADUs that's eight ADUs at 80% AMI is requested by staff we are going to be providing modern stormwater management controls where there are no modern stormwater management controls in this community and this community was designed to have lots of robust amenities and it'll be amenities available for our residents but also for the folks next door [04:29:51] and it's basically broken down to three areas right here is the western area and we'll talk a bit for that that's the dog park exercise station open play area and access there's a trail that's going to run the length of the property access down to Ockermon Road in the center portion right here we'll have grilling stations a community gathering area a gazebo and walking path that continues along the perimeter of the property and on the east right here again we have oops we have another gazebo a play area and a walking path that you know allows folks residents the younger [04:30:28] residents to enjoy themselves there as well the next slide in looking here this is the western for area there's the dog park there's open play area exercise stations and you can see the pathway going all the way down Occoquan Road again in the central area we have community gathering areas we have a gazebo right here we have grilling stations and you know they'll have an old large open area kind of kept natural and the pathway that runs the perimeter of the property next thing in the eastern thing we have open play area we have you know tot lot and again the pathway that kind of continues around the length of the property [04:31:04] so again robust recreational amenities available for everybody but intended to make this community self-contained and able to you know be liable and what people are looking for in this kind of area all right in terms of our design these are very attractive and these are made in context what we see in the community attractive hardy board you know hardy plank designs you know modern windows You know really attractive design consistent what you see throughout what Woodbridge and next slide interiors These are actual photos of similar similar units and the goal is to have modern amenities modern nice high-quality finish This will be professionally maintained [04:31:43] So remember as people's residents move in the management company has the ability come in refinish things and get them back up the standard You know it should be the goal is to make a nice high-quality development You know, this is an example of our 20-foot floor plan. What I want to find, I think, is notable here is from experience, basically with the residents we're anticipating, you know, you have a generously-sized two-car garage. [04:32:04] Each unit has two-car garages. They all have the ability to accommodate F-150s up there with eight-foot decks. We will have EV infrastructure in there. We'll also have solar infrastructure there. And, you know, they're about 2,200 square feet for a 20-foot unit and about 1,800 square feet for a 16-foot unit. [04:32:23] In terms of sound walls, noise, berm, we are next to 95. We are not disturbing the existing VDOT right away. We are not disturbing the existing trees. We're going to be replanting them, and we are not disturbing the existing sound walls. The two sound walls will remain. We are proposing to provide a new kind of a sequential barrier. [04:32:42] We're going to do off-site tree plantings. We've got permission from VDOT to do that. That will provide a buffer. We're going to be doing a berm, and then we're going to be doing, and this has been approved by a qualified acoustical engineer, New sound walls there, about an eight-foot sound wall running the perimeter and a six-foot sound wall elsewhere. We'll have it not only around our perimeter of the property here, but we're also going to do it on the western perimeter behind our community. [04:33:06] And then the units on the end will also have sound attenuation architecture so that when residents are in there, they will be able to live at 45 DBA, which is the county standard. In terms of one of the driving concerns we had here was we got a lot of feedback from the community about pass-through traffic on Doubles Reach Road. [04:33:24] It is a convenient, you know, way to get from Gordon Boulevard 123 to Occoquan. And so the thought was we can't do anything about that. We were certainly willing to work with FDOT and PWC DOT and VDOT on that. But we can't do much. They control the roads. What we can do is provide basically a permanent solution that's going to be a lot less traffic overall. [04:33:43] If we go back to, you know, the local fitness club, you're going to have about 2,400 units, 20-hour vehicle trips per day. This is going to come in just under 700, so about one-third of that. Again, one of the biggest concerns we have, and I appreciate Supervisor Bode's leadership on this, is that if you look out there, the road is a bit of a time capsule. [04:34:03] It's just a two-page, two-line lane road, paved, and there's no sidewalk. The lanes are kind of narrow, and the community has valid concerns. You can see those from right here and right here. And so our thoughts are, you know, we took a look at this. [04:34:18] Our engineers looked at this. There is adequate right-of-way. It's just not taken advantage of. So we're happy to work with VDOT. We're happy to work with PWZ-TOT on the supervisor's leadership. You know, there's things that can be done. You have the right-of-way if you want to improve the roads, make them wider. You have the right-of-way if you want to put sidewalks there, you know, that would modernize this area, you know, probably alleviate some of the traffic concerns. [04:34:38] We're happy to talk about traffic calming measures. This is one idea we have right here for our main entrance to do a three-way stop. But, you know, just looking at the benefits, we hope you'll see this is intended to be a beneficial project. We're at the low end of our comprehensive plan density, 10.25 units per acre versus 8 out of 12. [04:34:56] Three stories versus 3 to 4 to 8 stories. We have significantly reduced traffic versus the options that are available to us. Increased visitor parking above the zoning ordinance. Significant increase in open space, tree coverage. We also include the off-site planting of the VDOT right-of-way. [04:35:13] On-site property management. This is meant to be a very upscale, a very nicely run project. and you've got a company that owns this property that has a very good track record of doing this throughout Northern Virginia, you know, taking advantage of kind of TOD. We're near VRE, we're near the OmniRide, we're near the EZPass. [04:35:30] You know, I remember as a kid working at the KFC, there was always a slug line right over the old Heckager plan. You know, it just allows folks to take advantage of the traffic and the transportation options nearby. Attractive architecture, numerous on-site amenities. For the county, in addition to all those benefits, I can run through it here, but I think you see it basically. [04:35:48] There's a lot of benefits to the county's housing policy, both in terms of diversity of housing. This will be rental townhouse communities. As I understand it, you've not had a rental townhouse community new in the county in 45 years. You're going to have eight ADUs, and it'll provide housing activity in near traffic and activity nodes. [04:36:05] This is right in the Occoquan and the Woodbridge activity nodes. This is also TOD. You're providing all these community amenities. This is infill. This is not new development, going out suburban sprawl. I'm happy to say we have support of local belt. We also supported the Chamber, and with that, we've also received targeted industry designation. [04:36:25] In terms of community outreach, some of the comments we've got has been, as I said beforehand, the roadways. You know, the challenges with the narrowness of the roadway and with the pass-through traffic. You know, how we can help with that is choosing the least impact of that use from that from a traffic generation standpoint and also proposing solutions for Devil's Reach Road in terms of, you know, taking advantage of the using right-of-way you have. [04:36:47] Stormwater management, there's a very, and I appreciate Supervisor Bode's leadership on this. We were out there the other day, and Garrett and I have actually gone through and climbed through the tunnel. But you have a school being built right next to them. It's built on 15 feet of fill, three stories up, replacing a one-story 1950s-era school building. [04:37:04] And that's created a significant amount of stormwater offload, everything coming down Old Bridge, through this community, through one set of neighbors, really, really nice people. But they're being very adversely impacted by this. I think it's important to understand that we are downstream from that. You know, we will provide modern stormwater management controls, quantity and quality. [04:37:21] We're meeting the county's goals on that, and we will obviously help people downstream from that. You know, we can't control what comes off the school system, but we're happy to, you know, help. You know, we appreciate being included in the discussion. Density, we are at the low end of density. We are in the very low end of density in terms of the comprehensive plan, and we're fighting a diversity of housing that's really needed in the area. [04:37:42] Building height, we're not in creating any building height. We're at 41 feet right now. we're staying at 41 feet. Rental community, again, like for housing policies, you know, this is, I lived in Woodbridge at various times when my father was in the Army two or three years, my various friends who stayed in the Army two or three years. You come in, you come out, sometimes it's not possible to buy. Sometimes you just need to rent and get in, get out. This provides opportunities for that, and all these ADUs as well. You know, and by way of housing, I wanted to talk a little bit, we've talked to who we anticipate a lot of our community would be. A lot of folks you know Quantico, Belvoir, the like you're keeping consistent with BAH you know you're talking typically going to be senior enlisted warrant officers and field grade officers you [04:38:21] know but it's open for anybody you know but the goal is to provide solutions for you if you're here for a three-year assignment and you PCS you don't have to deal with selling a house you know nor you don't have to deal with the thing where one spouse comes out here three months early to try and buy a house and then you have to do you know go through that rigmarole and the thought is I think that consistent to closest to VRE, closest to the highway, I think will be a lot of very useful opportunities to take advantage of that TOD-oriented development, consistent with the county plan. [04:38:50] So with that, I thank you very much for your time, and I'm happy to take any questions. All right, any questions for the applicant? Supervisor Bodie. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you to the applicant, and thank you to the applicant's representation for coming here, and all your hard work working with the community on this project over the last couple years. [04:39:12] Just wanted to touch upon the last bit you just talked about, the price points. Can you talk about the price points a little bit on these units? Yeah, the price point, this is a, going back here, hopefully don't screw this up. But this is a, these will be, you know, they've got to make a profit. There is a significant investment here. [04:39:28] But the goal is to make this essentially market rate affordable housing. You know, we will be doing our required ADUs as well. But the goal is to make it market rate affordable housing for folks, you know, particularly, We thought the nearest analogy would be, particularly for a lot of the money, is for senior enlisted warrant officers and, you know, junior officers. [04:39:47] But it could be for anybody. But these are the rates we're looking at. Typically, for a 16-bedroom, which would be a two-bedroom, about $2,700 per month. For a 20-foot, which would be about, you know, $3,400 per month. So that's what we're looking. [04:40:03] We expect the rents to come out of. Appreciate that. And then, again, the other major concern we kept hearing is the traffic. Can you go back to the slide if it pertains to traffic? Because I appreciate this, because I know that some folks, rightfully so, have said, hey, Kids' Choice was significantly less traffic flow than your typical sport and health fitness center, what have you. [04:40:26] But you actually break that out. And looking at your counts right here, you have the 80 townhomes is generating only about 70 more trips than Kids' Choice. And then all the other ones are obviously lower, except for weekday AM peak hour. [04:40:42] So, just wanted to highlight that and ask if you guys looked at any of the other sort of traffic impacts in the area. Well, I mean, the main traffic, and we kept hearing over and over again was, and meeting with some of the supervisors, too, was, you know, the pass-through. It's just, you know, we can't control traffic patterns, but we can work very collaboratively, and we're happy to take the leadership on that, working with VDOT and PWCDOT on that. [04:41:06] You know, I would note, with regard to the kids' choice, the kids' choice shows how it was last year before the fire. Right. Realistically, if this property goes back to being, you know, as a sport in health, it's going to come back with a much more robust operate as a sport in health because you're going to have a very large development. His choice was able to do when the property was fully monetized and had been, you know, there was no, there was no note on it. You know, this is going to need to, you know, operate in a, you know, at a bigger profit and, you know, they'll be operating as a larger facility. And so, you know, really the choice is really kind of what you see in orange versus blue. Right. And if I could, Madam Chair, my last question is stormwater. [04:41:43] You've talked about it. I know the neighbors you're talking about, they're dealing with a lot of issues around other projects that are going in the area, especially prolifically, the rebuild of Occoquan Elementary. I know there was some concern among the residents and the neighbors that, you know, you have this impervious surfaces on this site. [04:42:03] You know, is it going to cause sort of backflow runoff, right, where things will come downstream. Right. And then because you're lacking the stormwater management, it's either going to flow back onto those homes next door, there might be great issues, or, frankly, one of the concerns I know we heard when we went out there was, hey, are you sort of pumped that stuff back up towards Devil Reef? [04:42:23] Could you talk about that? Yeah, no, I'm happy to do so. That was one of the really useful points that came out of the meeting you held. You know, right now, by way of orientation, here's our property here, here's the community next to us. This is the new school. This is the old school. and then you have basically almost like a runway you have old bridge coming down here and all this water's running off the old bridge and it's going into the princeway and county school site now i'm i leave it up to you know it's your your your discussion i have with the board of education as to why they don't have stormwater management out there working during construction zone here but you know and i'm sure you're on top i'm sure there's conversations that were direct about that [04:42:59] but you know the family right here really nice people you know and they're really being adversely impacted by you have essentially a deluge every time you get one of these big storms comes right through the back of their property and cuts through here and is slowly kind of eroding away their property and then here's the here's the little pipe that goes on you know we crawled under there to double check on there and then goes further through and then into our property and then it leaves our property we will do the stormwater management controls here and though but then leaves our property goes under the under the highway it does not and that was i think one of the concerns of the community was that somehow it was going to go from here and then be piped [04:43:35] down here and I think where that where that that misunderstanding comes from is you know there is a difference there's storm water and then there's sanitary water and one of the things I didn't get into because we have time which is you know one of the things we're doing is we're doing our own gravity main right now we have a pump station that handles everything here and we're doing a gravity main right here that'll be available if these properties need to connect them that will take pressure off the storm that gravity main will feed down to Occoquan for sanitary so that's going to release pressure off that pump station you know and also it you know allows if there's a problem with the pump station other houses in the neighborhood can connect to it but that was [04:44:11] a sanitary sewer gravity main that we're putting in there and stormwater management will not come back to the area it will go under the highway but it will go into the highway after it's gone through quantity control and quality control thank you all right supervisor franklin yeah can Can you just, sorry, we're having issues with the presentation, but how many total units? [04:44:33] 80 units. And how many will be 80 you? Eight ADUs, 10%. Eight. Okay. And I see the amount, or I see the amenities that you guys are providing, and I see where it says amenity space. But I guess I'm just wondering, I guess I'm just wondering about specifically, like, amenities within the actual facility. [04:44:55] so you know there there's no pool or anything or there's no workout facility that i see is there anything we do not have a clubhouse you know so essentially there is no clubhouse there is no pool there are this is the entire as you can see here here's the this is the entirety of the property what we do have is three amenity areas sure and then for the amenity areas is that where these items will be going like yes okay and i admittedly i was kind of moving at light speed through i knew i only had some amount of moments to get through this it's kind of moving at light speed but that was the the purpose of this breaks each of those things down to sequence you know [04:45:31] where you can see this is the western one here's the dog park you have an open play area you have this pathway that runs the perimeter of the property but begins here and goes to aquahon road you have you have outdoor outdoor exercise stations and then you know okay you do have the outdoor exercise right and so then you have and then when you get to the center port there's the pathway continuing you have kind of this community gathering space you have a gazebo the outdoor grilling stations yeah and then and further on up right and forgive me because i'm not looking at the presentation but are these uh 80 townhomes apartments and how long is the [04:46:05] driveway i guess the driveway for these are real do they have okay so they're real loading okay do you have a yeah let me get right let's see and the reason why i asked because going back to the parking situation you know i've kind of found in my experience of the past few years that you know the longer at least if you have parkway driving or driveway parking yeah um the longer it is the the the more capabilities people have to park actually on their property as opposed to on [04:46:40] the street which will help with um not crowding or streets but it sounds like with this being kind of in the back right it's a rear load so the goal was to have rear load then to have and the goal you know what we wanted to have was kind of get kind of like almost like commons in between each of the thing but you know i'll get to the first of all rear load going into these and then you have like kind of a pedestrian commons in the front of the air and then down here you have 51 additional parking spaces that run the perimeter of the property so if you're you know friends in town old army buddy whatever you know you have a kid's party and stuff there should be way more than adequate each unit has its own two integral parking spaces in there and they're generously [04:47:19] sized and then you know the reason we did the rear load you know was to the goal was to have something like this you know where you have these are the front of it so you have everybody kind of getting in there you know using almost the front commons as an additional kind of like right yard with the neighbors yep and that was actually the next question i was going to ask and some of this may be able to be saved for staff but i also want to talk about the waivers um if you could just go over what waivers you all are requesting and things of that nature. [04:47:46] But staff can also give us that in our presentation. Thank you. Supervisor Bailey. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for your presentation. I was, when you came to my office to present this, I was very much interested and excited about this because it reminds me of when Long Ridge was built up the road. [04:48:12] And when you present the last part about Quantico, it reminded me of Long Ridge when it was built up the road and the reason why i say that is because it is needed in this area and um it's needed particularly as we talk about housing it's needed and particularly for the military for them to have a place to be when they you know it bearing either living here with their families or temporarily here and so that's the kind of housing that we're looking at as well when we [04:48:47] talk about affordable slash attainable houses so my my question in looking at this is I love the the rate the rental rates and the grids that you have here but is this also encompassing um look taking in our federal workers those that okay okay it is and remember these are the I would call market rate affordable the 880Us would be you know yes okay that's what I was going to say. And then the other thing, and I just said to Kenny, the roads, because the sports [04:49:24] complex had been there a long, long time. But the road that you mentioned, and I apologize for stepping out, but the road that you mentioned in the beginning, or maybe in the middle of your presentation, the one that was so narrow, is the Devil's Reach. Yes. Oh, we all remember Devil's Reach. Is there's opportunity to widen that? There is. The right of way is there. Okay. What's not been there has been i guess the public policy behind it you know and you know it just you know it is it's port asphalt two lane road yeah you know there are the neighbors have some very [04:50:02] legitimate concerns with the status of the road you know there's some pot there's some potholes that you know you know i would say if it wasn't sad it would be almost funny but you know they just seem to keep reappearing and reappearing there's been a lack of attention and maintenance on that uh but you know you have adequate right-of-way and that was the point behind this slide here is you can see you have the right-of-way you have the right-of-way to widen this up to a full-size street you have the right-of-way to widen this up the full-size street and to add sidewalks on there as well there is no sidewalks there you know but you know it is the it's a bit of a an island in that you have really nice single family houses on really nice acres and the people [04:50:41] take very good care of the properties you know but they're on this kind of narrow road but you You know, the road hasn't been modernized. Right, right. And then the last question I have, in terms of the community, how have you socialized it with the community? [04:50:57] Well, we have had a lot of meetings. Because it's a historic, not historical, but it's a seasoned community. It's been there a long time. And, you know, there have been some very direct comments. You know, as we've talked about, there's a lot of folks that are concerned with the project. [04:51:13] But we have gone ahead and we, you know, this is an example. We've had everything from written letters to one-on-one meetings. There's a lot of coffee shop meetings. There's been a couple of meetings at Occoquan Elementary. We did an online meeting. We had a meeting that Supervisor Bodie led back in July at Occoquan. [04:51:31] And, you know, we've gotten a lot of the, you know, while a lot of the commentary may be against the use, we also got a lot of commentary that was really kind of, what we found was, and I think this is important to note, is this, what you don't see here is right here, you have a major public works project going on here. [04:51:50] You're going to have, actually, I think we have a slide in here. Yeah, right there. This is important to have some context. You have three or four major public works projects going on that this here, this is it. This is basically provided a microphone where there was no microphone beforehand. [04:52:06] So if you go out there, a lot of these trees have been removed. There's this major VDOT project going on now, 123 and 95. There's also, oops, what I did there. You've also got the proposed construction here for Gordon Avenue. [04:52:22] And you've got this construction here, which we're told is going to also, you know, eliminate some of the issues they have with stormwater management coming down Old Bridge. Then you've got the public schools. The public schools, like I say, it is, you think about the kind of elementary school we all probably went to, you know. You know, single-story, 1950s-level construction, you know, with surface park. [04:52:41] Well, this is the county's first zero-emission school. And so the plan was build that in the open space next to the school. Then eventually they're going to take down the school, and that will be the new open space and parking. But, you know, they put this here, they put it on 15 feet of fill, and then the school itself is three stories. [04:52:57] So you have a significant change in, you know, height coming up right next to this community. And so, but these projects are, as they come forward, our project comes forward, and our project kind of creates the microphone for a lot of the frustrations with that. But, you know, the thought was, you know, we want to, we still, even after this, this project gets approved, we still want to continue working with the community. [04:53:19] You know, Garrett and his family have been there for 50 years. You know, as property owners, they're going to be here after it. This is not something we're building and flipping. This is going to stay with the family for a long time. You know, we want, you know, if Devil's Reach Road is better, it helps the community. It helps our project as well. [04:53:37] You know, and that's what being neighbors is all about. Yeah. Thank you. All right. Before I have a few questions, we have folks in Sandy in the back. If you can find a seat, we have a couple seats. Thank you very much. So I wanted to talk a little bit about sound. [04:53:52] Yes. Because, I mean, you're right there off of 95. what are some of the things you guys are doing to mitigate sound sure happy to talk about that um one of the things the first thing we're doing we did hire a we did a hush acoustics which is the qualified acoustical professionals and the thought was how are we going to make it make it so that we can essentially have people be able to play outside enjoy their time outside of the townhouse but also be able to sleep at night and so a couple things we're doing first of all you know it doesn't help that the trees here were removed by vdot so the thought is you know we're going to be doing a multi-layered thing you know and first of all we are going to be replanting [04:54:30] with deciduous and evergreens here for kind of a layered defense if you think that way and then next thing is then to build a berm and at this point a sound wall right there that kind of kind of kind of here is where the existing VDOT sound walls are here they're right here then here is the on-ramp that comes here so you've got this kind of space right here where there is no sound wall So our thought is to go ahead and put that sound wall on the berm running the length of this property right here. [04:55:01] Okay, we can't go further because that's where major utilities are. But at that point, you're on to the on-ramp anyway. The on-ramp speed is 35 miles, and you don't have the traffic you have at 95. But the thought being basically a layered approach. You have new plantings, you have a berm, you have a sound wall, and that will provide a lot of sound attenuation. [04:55:18] And then within the nearest houses here, we'll also be designing acoustical designs there, as you commonly see in other projects. you think about park ridge the one the formerly the regal cinema over on 66 and the like you know you have to design these things so that you know people are able to live a normal life within the context of those of the home and then we'll be doing the same thing so it's kind of a layered defense and so the berms are what um three to four feet three to four feet and then right now we've got a minimum eight foot uh fence on top of that so about 12 feet all right and um hold on i just [04:55:56] want to understand looking how far the first home how far away will that be from the sound wall uh first let's say this this this home here will be about 98 feet well from the sound wall it is behind the south it'll be about 98 feet from pavement it's about 90 feet from behind the sound wall and then you know you get this is about 90 120 feet over here and then when you get down to here it's about 96 feet this is on the uh the on-ramp here all right i don't have anything else Supervisor Bode. [04:56:27] Thank you, Madam Chair. Just very quickly, Supervisor Franklin, I appreciate your question about amenities and a pool or a fitness room or a clubhouse. Can you talk about how that would impact the affordability and the price points because then suddenly you have a professionally managed and then they have to manage the amenities? [04:56:44] That's really it. The goal is to put the money into the units and to put the money into the unit and to put the kind of amenities people are going to be looking for in that area, but taking advantage of the fact that You know, there's, you know, you have to have a certain amount of density to make this project work. And then with that density that's left over, with that space that's left over, you know, that's how we got ourselves to over 50% open space. [04:57:06] You know, it's just, you know, having a club room or something like that, typically in our experience, they don't end up being used that much, you know. And they end up becoming a drag financially on the viability of the project. But in this case, you know, it's just the focus here, and you look about what in the area, there's just not a lot of open space. [04:57:24] There's not a lot of parks, trails, and, you know, outdoor amenities. So the goal was to, that's what we consistently heard, so that's what we want with. Thank you. I don't have anyone else, so thank you very much. If the county can come forward. Thank you very much. [04:58:10] Good evening. My name is Kobra Babayi. I'm Case Planner of 13,000 Sports and Health Drive application. Thanks to the applicant to introduce the application. Can you speak a little better or come closer to the mic? Yeah. Thanks to the applicant to introduce the application with all details. [04:58:29] And now I'm going to review the application from the perspective of the planning office. As the applicant mentioned, 13,000 Sports and Health Drive is located north of the I-95, south of the Akakuan Elementary School. [04:58:46] This is a rezoning application. The applicant requests to rezone of the 7.8 acres from our four suburban residentials to PMR, planned mixed residential to allow for development of 80 tonneau house. The zoning of the application is R4 and the long-range land use of the application is RN4. In RN4, 90% to 100% is [04:59:22] land use target is for residential development with primary use for single family attach and implementing zoning district for PMR, R16, and RTRD, and the target residential density in RN4 is between 8 to 24 dwelling units per acres. [04:59:42] The requirement minimum open space in RN4 is 20% and in PMR is 30%. With this application, the applicant can provide 100% residential development with 80-ton house, And this is a request to rezone for PMR. [05:00:04] And the provided density of application is 10.25 dwelling units per acre. And the provided open space in this project is more than 50%. So the request of the rezoning in this application is completely consistent with comprehensive plan and zoning. [05:00:26] This is a proposed development of the application. As the applicant mentioned, we can see the open space, landscaping, circulation, and pavement, and also amenity area. 85% of the unit's width is more than 20 feet in this application. [05:00:53] In this slide and next slide, I'm going to review the weakness and some of the points of the application. I'm going to start with weakness and with some of the mitigation strategies. [05:01:11] Given the location of the application close to high transfer area, the residential unit will face with air and noise pollution. So noise and air pollution is a concern of the staff. [05:01:27] But for this problem, the applicant proffers for noise mitigation study. The applicant will keep the existing VDOT noise wall and also the applicant proffers to install a sound wall under close coordination with VDOT and applicant proffers to use the installation materials during the construction of future residential units. [05:01:52] The other weakness of the application is related to shape and format of the property. The specific features limit the flexibility of the design, and so because of this reason, the applicant had to waiver some of the PMR residential development standards, which not reduce the quality of the design. [05:02:15] In this application, the applicant provide update modern and fashion townhouse that's contained of the two and three bedroom units with outdoor and indoor facility and amenities. [05:02:46] In reviewing the sum of the points and key feature of the application, I can mention two affordable dwelling units. With this application, the applicant proffers to dedicate 10% of the units as affordable dwelling units, eight of the units. [05:03:04] And the other string of this application is related to sustainability. The applicant proffers all the units built equipped to Energy Star qualified home, EV charger station, and also solar panel infrastructures. [05:03:23] In this project, in 13,000 Sports and Health Drive, the applicant profits to provide multi-purpose recreational area. The applicant provide the trail, playground, dike park, fitness station, community library, and community space with good quality in buffering, landscaping and connectivity to provide the active and vibrant area and also meet the requirement of the future residentials this application review by different agents and [05:04:00] department for several times so at this time the staff respectfully recommends that the honorable Board of the County Supervisor approved the rezoning REZ 2024-00024, 13,000 support and health drive application subject to proffers dated August 12, 2025, following reasons below. [05:04:27] This application, consistency with zoning and long-range land use, the proposed densities consistent with long-range land use designation and also I can mention to conservation of existing green area and provide more than 50% open space and the other item is related to the indoor and outdoor facility that will shape a good quality and community. Thank you so much for your time and your attention. My pleasure to answer your question or details. All right, starting with Supervisor Brody. [05:05:02] Thank you, Madam Chair. I know the Supervisor Franklin had questions earlier about waivers, but first, COBRA, thank you for your work on this. Appreciate the whole planning department and their flexibility. I know that Emily and my office have been really in close contact with you all on this, so I appreciate your partnership. My question actually isn't specifically for you, COBRA, the planning office, but I wanted to see if there was someone from Public Works here to talk about the ongoing conversations we've had with the schools about the stormwater issues. [05:05:31] If we don't, I will just sort of talk about it, and then we can sort of talk about that, too. So essentially, as was said earlier, we have had ongoing issues with the school. And unfortunately, because of how the existing stormwater management system was decommissioned before they got the new one under the new building for the new school up and running, we have an issue that is not good stormwater management going on to the property that's nearby. [05:05:58] We've been working through that on that issue. We've also been citing the schools quite a bit over what's going on there. We've been working through that process. So I wanted to highlight that. But, Cobra, back to you for a second. From the county's perspective, looking at the main issues we've been talking about, right, the traffic, stormwater, and just the activity in this area, can you talk a little bit about how staff looks at the traffic flow? [05:06:26] I know Madam Chair asked earlier about the sound mitigation. So I guess if I could just go in order very clearly, traffic flow, stormwater management, noise, and sort of the activity and the congestion in that area. Okay, yeah, sure. One of the most concern of the applicants and staff that was related to the noise and air pollution. [05:06:46] So during our meeting with the applicant, we emphasized this issue, and also we asked the applicant to provide the noise study. So I think after meeting with the applicant, staff believe the applicant respond to our concerns with some of the profits. [05:07:05] For example, provide the noise study, have very close coordination with the Prince William County Department of Transportation and also with VDOT. And I think that Kevin can answer to some of the traffic impact strategies. [05:07:23] Chair Jefferson, members of the board, Kevin Weirach, Transportation Planning Manager. The first thing I want to mention about the traffic issue is that the TIA, the traffic impact analysis for this rezoning, was deferred. And the reason for that was because the use that was already taking place there, the sport and health center, actually generates higher trips than the multifamily residential, or I'm sorry, the single family attached that you see here. [05:07:48] It doesn't really matter whether it's a highly used fitness center or one that, you know, is not as well used like, you know, Kids Choice was. We do it based on the ITE trip generation rates, which is the industry standard. Now, the applicant did do a manual count of traffic March 1st to the 4th of 2024 for Kids Choice, and the results show that while there's a slight increase in weekday average daily trips, there's a significant decrease in weekend average daily trips. [05:08:17] Obviously, cut-through traffic is an issue. On Devil's Reach Road, there are two speed humps already. We can always go out there and do a follow-up speed study to see if there's any other mitigation that we can do to help alleviate that problem. We're also looking at putting together a cost estimate for a sidewalk along Devil's Reach Road as well. [05:08:35] We can look at grant opportunities to fund that in the future. That will also help with the traffic flow in the area and the safety, which is obviously front of mind for all of us with transportation. So hopefully that answers your question. And the last one was stormwater management. Good evening. Alex Venegas from the planning office. [05:08:54] With stormwater, we do have the stormwater regulations. I know the applicant worked with the Public Works Division of Environmental Services to go through that. Both the state code, our ordinance, as well as our DCSM requires all stormwater generated from that site to be treated on site. [05:09:15] And if not, they have to have some sort of regional agreement for another stormwater offsite. But all stormwater has to be treated on site, which the applicant does. Thank you, Alex. Thank you, Madam Chair. Supervisor Franklin. Yeah, thank you. [05:09:30] I was just wondering if someone from staff can kind of talk about the waivers that are being requested. And again, I don't have that in front of me. But if you all can walk through those, that would be helpful. Okay. As I mentioned in the presentation, the most important reason the waiver of this application is related to the shape of the property. [05:09:58] So because of this reason and to provide the quality design, the applicant has to reduce some of these standards. But in a staff report for every items we analyze the only waivers, the request of the waivers has not any specific negative impact in adjacent area and also the quality of the design. [05:10:23] Some of the waiver that was just related to the reduce of the setbacks and, you know, the reduce of the requirement buffering and landscaping. And remind me, how much buffering are we adding? [05:10:40] You know, for adjacent to the I-95, 75 feet. Okay. And adjacent to the neighbors, we needed to 30 feet buffers. And the applicant, in most of the points, provide the requirements, buffering and landscaping, based on our standards. [05:10:59] Sure, thank you. And then with regards to, are there any transportation waivers? The transportation waivers? No, nothing. Nothing. We have none. Okay, thank you. Yeah, the two that I'm always concerned about are parking waivers and really the buffering, but it sounds like those two have been adequately addressed. [05:11:20] No, with this project, the applicant provides a lot of the parking. I think it's around the 51 parking space more than the requirements. Okay, thank you so much. Supervisor Ingrid. Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to kind of touch on public safety just a little bit. [05:11:36] You know, we're talking about Devil's Reap, the road. That sidewalk would just be amazing because that road does need a sidewalk. But more importantly, the two entranceways coming into the development, are there sidewalks on that by chance? [05:11:53] Yes, yes. So there is access points to, you know, there's a sidewalk that a sidewalk along Devil's Reach can eventually connect to. And we did make a point in our review to have that sidewalk access Occoquan Road. So that's not, that's going to help residents of this community get to the elementary school, to the bus stops, et cetera. [05:12:11] Yeah. And the second, you know, I guess the main entry road is here, the second road, the first one really when you're coming off of, maybe pull it up. Yeah. I'm just curious about that alley one. Is that alley? Am I saying that right? What is that? What does that say? Street? [05:12:33] Street B on the left-hand side. Yeah. I can't even see that. Where am I? Okay. Yeah, there we go. Street B. There we go. Right here. That looks a little narrower than the main street. Is it? I believe it's supposed to be narrower based on the projected traffic volumes that they did. [05:12:52] One important note about Street B is that currently that is, you know, county property. The applicant would need to request the county vacate that land in order to make that second connection. They are not required to. They meet their entrance requirements with Sport and Health Drive there. [05:13:09] We're supportive of the second access point, though, for connectivity, traffic management, emergency response. I will always say I think all communities should have two ways in and out of it. So the Street B, is that an actual road, or is that not an entryway? [05:13:26] It is an entryway. They are proffered to pursue, in good faith, the vacation of that land. Okay, I think that would be beneficial for that, you know, talking 80 units down in there. So, all right, thanks. All right, Supervisor Bailey, then Franklin. [05:13:43] Thank you. And also, have a seat. If you're in the chambers, you're going to need to find a seat. I just wanted to go back to the stormwater management, and that can be, yeah, that could be you, Alex. Because it's such an older area that we're bringing this wonderful project to, is there compatibility, and there's a lot of construction going on there, is compatibility with the stormwater management? [05:14:16] In other words, you know, the infrastructure there is kind of old. So the infrastructure for the stormwater on-site will be upgraded to meet current standards. So anything off-site isn't the responsibility of this application? [05:14:33] Yes. So that'll be addressed either through the schools upgrading or improving their stormwater facility, and that should address any concerns that the residents have that are adjacent to the school. [05:14:50] but with everything on site regarding the development of this application is addressed on site. So they meet all the standards, so it shouldn't have any impact off site. Yeah, and I guess my question there, I know it's a separate entity from the schools or whatever, but I'm just saying at the end when all of this is done, we should have pretty new infrastructure because stormwater management is a problem with all projects. [05:15:18] And I just want to make sure in the success of this one, that what's happening there, you know, the plan is for it to be upgraded, if I think that's the word. Supervisor Bailey, the answer to that is a two-part question. One, first, everything related to this project will be new materials. [05:15:37] The off-site, the existing, they're not going to be changing the stormwater. Surrounding it. Right. Okay. So that's an important distinction. Okay. However, if there are future road improvements to Devil's Reach Road, that can be addressed at that time to bring it up to contemporary standards. [05:15:55] Okay, that's what I want to hear. Thank you. Okay, thank you. Supervisor Franklin? Just a small question about the community library. Just wanted to get a better sense of exactly what that is or what that looks like. Yes, this is a very small community library that the camp profits to provide. [05:16:15] i think the location is here it's a community library to say small and we can name it neighborhood library okay well and the reality is i asked because obviously we're working on a library not too far from this location so i guess i'm just trying to figure out the relationship between the two yeah it's a box yeah it's a look like the box yeah kiosk and box it's a bus oh okay that's Great, thank you. [05:16:44] No, no, it's not a library. All right. It does not look like we have any other questions for either applicant or staff. [05:16:59] So I am going to open the public hearing for item 13A. And this is the rezoning that we are speaking about for Sport and Health Drive. I have three people who have signed up. [05:17:16] And I just want to say this. I see someone up here who I think wants to speak on the other one. This is for Sport and Health Drive. If you're here to speak on Bristow, that is going to come later. That's 13B and C. So if you are here for 13A, that means you want to speak on this development. [05:17:33] Okay, I just want to make sure. So I have Rhonda Harris. I appreciate the honesty, Donna. I have Rhonda Harris, Dr. Jack, and Donna Gallant. [05:17:55] I'm Rhonda Harris. Can you hear me? Bring it closer to you. Rhonda Harris. I'd like the proposal that, you know, was put forth. The community has voiced several concerns. Right now, we do not have an existing stormwater management system in place. [05:18:13] It goes to a natural creek that runs into the trees on the Sport and Health property. As the trees go away, the water absorption just sets and puddles. You're talking about putting a berm on the other side at 95. What you're going to do is create a bowl, and the water is going to sit. [05:18:34] The people, and if they build up higher, we're going to get more backflow into our yards. Because you're taking away the natural creek, the way it flows now, down in the gullies next to the road. The other thing, the fire on December 5th proved that our roads are not wide enough to have even fire trucks go side by side past each other. [05:18:57] The ambulances had to park at the KFC and take a gurney all the way down the street. You think public safety is a concern? I do. I think that having a fence as a sound wall is a serious concern for children who can knock down boards. There's a highway there. There are building restrictions put in place to protect the people who are going to live there. And the reason why they are there is to keep people safe. [05:19:27] But these waivers, you're wavering the buffers from the highway, the buffers from the other property. The fact of the matter is the 80 townhomes don't fit the site. That's why they need the waivers. Build to your site. Don't build to what it could be if you get the waivers. [05:19:45] Tell me what you can build on the site. There are 30 homes on that street. They're more than doubling the homes in an area that's less than half of the other acreage on the street. Does that make any sense to you? It doesn't to me. I just think that this needs to be thought through. The planning commission turned it down. There was a reason. We had justifications. We had people come speak. The pollution. Who's going to protect at the stormwater sanitary sewer pump [05:20:22] station? Where's the fence end? Because you have to have access. They're still going to have to have access to do maintenance there at that sanitary sewer station. You can't keep them from 95. How are you going to keep kids from going through and climbing through the fence where it connects to a wooden fence? Soundwall over here is concrete, but right now we don't even have those. [05:20:45] We have an open bridge on Occoquan where you could just drive off the bridge and go right down onto Old Bridge Road. The signage to do the work doesn't even properly state by VDOT when it's going to start. So we have almost an accident every single day. We are surrounded on three sides by construction right now and they want to take and do sport and health as well so i would say no to pmr i don't understand why they can't thank you very much and i would like to remind people that there are not [05:21:19] to be any outbursts good evening madam chairman members of the board i'm jack kuyungian president of loca i'd like to ask for five minutes as an organizational representative we met with the applicant on March 2024 at our March 28th local Pelt meeting and also January 30th of this year. [05:21:49] And we were very aware that we have a gateway parcel here and that we need to pay attention to what we're doing, which has a lot of visibility with I-95 and the community. But we also have awareness that the applicant needs to be sensitive to the existing long-standing community that's been there for over half a century. And we have substandard infrastructure issues to deal with. [05:22:22] The roadway, Devil's Reach, doesn't have any shoulders. There's no sidewalk. The infrastructure is inadequate to handle emergencies as the young lady just spoke. [05:22:38] These are issues that are real and need to be addressed. And the other thing is that stormwater is always an issue when you have all this construction assaulting the neighborhood there. [05:22:54] Just think of the residents there looking at what was going on with it. The zero emission project at the school might be zero emissions for electricity, but it's certainly not zero emissions for stormwater. And in fact, the Prince William County schools staff needs to put on their big boy pants to deal with stormwater. [05:23:19] They don't handle stormwater adequately. And the residents here, and particularly the residents that spoke at the Planning Commission, have every right to express their concern about their problems in that area. [05:23:35] But what we have is the applicant has their property that they have to deal with. Right now, as you drive by that gateway parcel, you see the burned-out buildings. And what a welcome to Prince William County that is. [05:23:53] We need to correct that. So this is what people see when they come to Prince William County. And we have all the plans for the intersection design for 123 and Old Bridge Road. We've formed a coalition of civic groups and business leaders to try to deal with that, to keep Devil's Reach open. [05:24:16] But we need to address the infrastructure deficiencies that are in that longstanding community. I have to say and compliment the developer because they have picked the lower traffic option over the other options that there are. [05:24:36] If this is turned down, they will come back after a one-year hiatus that's required by law, and they will come in with a higher-density proposal. This is not at all attractive to the community for higher-density traffic on a substandard infrastructure. [05:24:55] So when we worked with them, we tried to address the adding diversity of choices in our housing stock. We looked at it and said we would get, if we agree to this, 80 townhomes that are rentals, we're going to get a well-managed property, and we have some segment of our population that can afford to live in nice townhomes as they decide either they're going to be here transitionally or young families are going to transition to permanent housing. [05:25:35] So in the PELT committee in LOCA, we look for consensus. And in both meetings, the developer got a positive reception. But we were very concerned about how do we address the infrastructure needs for the community that exists there. [05:25:54] And we urge Prince William DOT to help with the supervisor. Kenny Bode is aware of the issues there. We do have most of that, we do have the right-of-way to put in sidewalk, curb, and gutter, and we need to do something to address the deficiencies that this over half a century community needs to have and to also provide a feeder to this new development as well. [05:26:28] So I would say that at every turn, what we requested, the developer agreed to. So we do support their proposal. And I just wanted to end with that. And thank you very much for your time. And thank you, Supervisor Bodie, for working on all those issues. [05:26:45] Thank you, Dr. Jack. Next speaker. Madam Chair, ladies and gentlemen of the board, so good to see you all. It's been a while. My name is Donna Galan. I live in the Brentsville District, so I'm very far away from this. [05:27:00] But there are a few things that I want to bring up. that are raising a bit of concern, and I hope that each one of you thoroughly took a look at the proffer statements in this application and what this is. Okay, we hear the dangle by so many developers of affordable housing. [05:27:17] Oh, and I need my five minutes, please. What organization are you with? Devlin Defend Corporation. I said it at the beginning. That's not on the sheet. Is that a 501c3? It's on the sheet. I signed up outside. Oh, it's a 501c3? Yes. Okay. Sorry about that. [05:27:33] So as I went through and I started reading this, there was a few things that I think need to be pointed out. One, the lady that spoke, two speakers ahead of me. If there's an ingress and egress problem for the public safety, I do need to say what's going to happen when school buses go on that road to transport children. [05:27:52] That now puts those children at risk. We talk about affordable housing. For 80 units, they're proffering 10%. That's eight homes. what is the time frame to fulfill and give people the opportunity to move into those homes if they can qualify i didn't see that in there may have missed it but i didn't see it supervisor angry you talked about um sound walls i read through the proffer statement and the sound walls can be made of plastic wood concrete but they're only proffering eight feet to six feet that's it [05:28:30] eight feet to six feet. We need to protect our children. This is right up against 95. The other thing in the proffer statement that I found mind-boggling to me is we talk about sound mitigation. We all know that noise and sound have a tremendous and adverse impact on your health, safety, and well-being. When I looked at the proffer, they said they were going to make sure that the interior sound was 45 dBA, 45. I'd like to ask each one of you to go to your home this evening, use a decibel meter and see what that sound level would be in your home. I guarantee [05:29:08] you it's not 45. If you go to the World Health Organization, as published in their paper on December 1, 2021, noise is an underestimated threat that can cause a number of short and long-term health problems, such as sleep disturbance, cardiovascular, poor work and school performance, hearing impairment. Noise has emerged as a leading environmental nuisance in the WHO European Union and the public complaints about excessive noise more and more often. [05:29:43] How loud is too loud? The WHO guidelines for community noise recommends less than 30 dBA weighted decibels in bedrooms during the night for sleep of good quality and less than 35 in classrooms to allow good teaching and learning conditions. The WHO guidelines for night noise recommends less than 40 dBA of annual average outside the bedroom to prevent adverse health effects. According to the European Union publication, about 40% of the population, [05:30:19] I'm not going to give you the EU statistics, but 45 decibels. This is going to be for starters for families, for children. So now school buses are at risk for accidents. Your EMS personnel can't get in. The stormwater management and the buffers and what they're asking for, three feet buffers, three feet. That is crazy. Three feet from the parking lot to their house. They're asking for all kinds of reprieve on the standards that this county put into place. It's like throwing the baby [05:30:59] out with the bathwater. Well, I can appreciate staff and I can appreciate the applicant working very, very diligently with you, Mr. Bodie, since this is in your district. One needs to ask themselves, is it half-baked? Is it ready? I don't think it is. Clearly, you haven't addressed the issues with the ingress and egress, the safety of the residents that are going to be living there, the health and well-being of the children that we hope will come and live there. That's all I got. [05:31:29] I don't think it's ready. Guys, okay, seriously. If next time I tell people, I will ask you to leave. And I'm looking, Denise, stop it. No, no. [05:31:48] There is no outburst, no response. This is the last time I say it. There will be no response. Everyone has a right to speak. Everyone has a right to be heard. As I said at the beginning, there will be no public outbursts, either in support or opposition. [05:32:08] This is the last time I will say it. Thank you. All right, I will ask the applicant, the county, would you like to, let me start with the applicant, would you like to respond to anything? I'm sorry, virtual, yeah, I'm sorry. [05:32:24] I do have, I apologize, I'm getting a little, we have virtual. You know, I've got to close it, all right. I'm sorry, before I go, I'm going to close the public hearing. We have no one virtual for 13A. Wait a minute, 13A, it is now closed. [05:32:40] So the applicant, would you like to come up and respond to anything? Thank you, Andrea. Thank you, Chair Jefferson, members of the board, And I appreciate the comments from the community. You know, those comments as we've gone through this process have made this project better. And I think, you know, some of the comments we heard today, you know, touched on the saline issues. [05:32:58] And I want to make sure we're clear on some of these issues. First of all, with stormwater management, and I tend to talk with my hands, so bear with me a little bit. But, you know, we talked about, if you think about it, stormwater is a gravity-driven thing. So you have the wall of this water coming down Old Bridge. Right here. It then goes from Old Bridge onto the school site. [05:33:17] Okay? From where Old Bridge is to the school site, eventually we're doing a public works project there that will have stormwater management. Okay. Hopefully I don't screw this up. Thank you very much. [05:33:34] I appreciate it. Thank you. So you're going from Old Bridge down to where the school site is. There is a public works project that's intended to address stormwater management there. But from there to the public school site, it then goes to, as we talked about beforehand, you now have the stormwater management on the school site decommissioned and not active. [05:33:52] And the school site, what it does, it then gets channelized. And right now, so you've got a whole bunch of, you know, basically freestanding dirt and it's been channelized going into the one neighbor's house. You know, basically their backyard and kind of eroding a canal through the back of their property. It goes from the school down to these people's property, then across Devil's Reach Road, and then it goes further down to us. [05:34:13] It goes from down to us, then further down and under across the highway. It does not completely, it's just, it's driven down that way. All we can do is provide modern stormwater management controls on our property, where there are none right now, both quantity and quality controls. [05:34:29] Consistent with a comprehensive plan that helps the county generally, and it certainly helps the properties downstream. You know, we have worked with Supervisor Bodie, we've worked with the community to look at, you know, getting, Garrett and I went and literally crawled through a tunnel and videotaped, you know, what was going on with the pipes and the like. [05:34:45] to get an assessment of the conditions so the county and the schools can work together to provide, frankly, the much-needed relief that the people on Devil's Reach Road need. But the reality is that there's no way we can build up our property in such a way that we drain back. That's literally just a physical impossibility. [05:35:01] So I wanted to respond on that one. Question about 45 DBA. 45 DBA is the county standard. If you read the Hush Acoustics report, we're looking at getting between, If you read the question, our goal is to get 25 to 35 DBA, right? [05:35:21] So we do meet the 45 DBA standard, but we're not stopping at 45 DBA. Speaking as someone who lives in the flight path of Reagan right now, you know, I get it. And the goal is we're going to be significantly below 45 DBA, and that's the design. [05:35:37] So the goal is to hopefully address that issue. Question with roads and insufficient. We acknowledge the roads have got some challenges there. We also acknowledge that, you know, Prince William County Fire Department and police, they're fine with the infrastructure the way it is. They feel like they can provide adequate service. [05:35:54] You know, we remain committed to working with the supervisor's office, remaining working with the community, working with VDOT to see what we can do. It's in everybody's interest to make sure Richmond, make sure Devils Reach Road is modernized, you know. And so we're prepared to continue to do that if we get approved, continue along those lines. [05:36:12] And so with that, I think those are the main points that we need to respond to. But I happen to take any questions. Real quick, before you go, Supervisor Vody, I just want to know, on the current kids' choice, probably it's not current anymore, but kids' choice, did they have any issues with stormwater and flooding? [05:36:29] We did not because, I mean, and let me, if you, if, where's the thing? Oh, here. We did not, and, you know, I think it was Rhonda, I think adequately, accurately, well, we can use this, it's good. All right, so the stormwater comes right through these people's yard, right along here, and as Rhonda pointed out, there's kind of a ravine. [05:36:49] Everything gets channelized in a ravine right down here. So it comes through a pipe, and the pipe lets out here, and then there's kind of a ravine here, and then it goes down here. Here's the service authority pump station. It goes down under the highway like that. So, you know, our goal is to, you know, provide modern BMPs, storm quality control like that, but, you know, that's how it works in terms of stormwater management coming through the property. [05:37:13] Then we would obviously provide stormwater management elsewhere throughout the property as necessary, too. But the main control, main concern really is everything coming off the school site, through these folks' backyard, coming right down here through this pipe, and then coming out here into the open, into a ravine. [05:37:31] Supervisor Brody. Thank you, Madam Chair. School buses were brought up earlier. I appreciate that. I know we asked about that. So can you talk about school bus access and where that's going to go? Right. No, this is designed to, you know, obviously people are going to be moving, you know, van lines in there and stuff like that. It's designed to accommodate, the turning radius is the roadway infrastructure on our site is designed to accommodate schools. [05:37:50] The existing Devil's Reach Road can accommodate school buses. You know, obviously everybody would like to see Devil's Reach Road modernized. That would only be better for both fire, police, emergency schools, pass-throughs, stuff like that. You know, but we are designed to accommodate schools. All right, anyone else? [05:38:09] The applicant, does anyone on the dais have any questions for the county? Any further questions? Oh, Supervisor Gordy. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you for the presentation. One question I do have in terms of maintenance of this facility, since it is a rental facility, to what extent are the renters obligated to maintain any part of the exterior of these facilities? [05:38:33] You're not really, you're not supposed to do that. You're renting a place. You're paying that, you're paying, you know, obviously if you do some damaged interior, your facility, you're responsible for that. But it's kind of the standard kind of agreement, you know, almost like, think of like a luxury apartment or something like that. You're paying that. for a nice place to live, you know, and you're investing essentially your resources or BAH or whatever it is in, you know, hopefully with, you know, a reputable company that's got a very good track record of running really nice high-end projects throughout Northern Virginia. So, you know, that, you know, the lawn care, everything, all the exterior, all the exterior maintenance and stuff like that, that's the reason also you have a on-site store property manager. You know, so if [05:39:12] you've got a guy, if there's some issue with your door, some issue with some sort of thing, you know, You don't have to, like, call a number and be on hold or send an email. You have an on-site property owner. We talk about 80 units here, you know, eight of which are going to be ADUs. You're also going to have one of those units is going to be the on-site property manager, and that's the goal for the person to be there, to be responsive, to be on top of things. [05:39:33] And in terms of we're having some situations where we're literally having hoteling taking place in some residential units. How are you going to ensure that the person who's renting the use isn't subleasing it to multiple people? [05:39:50] That's a really good question, and that is an issue that you have throughout the community. One of the benefits you have because, you know, you have a contractual obligation. You have a lease. You have an on-site manager. you know so if we we're told that that's going on you know rather than if you like the townhouse next to you is being rented out by an individual property owner and that issue is happening with them there's a lot more logistical and legal hurdles that you have to go through here the same way like you look at the park the parking space there you know there's gonna be requirements and you're not gonna have people parking boats you know you're not gonna have people parking [05:40:26] oversized vehicles there there's gonna be no you know storage of that the same way there won't be miss you you're intended to be use it for the people on the lease and the people on the lease only reasonable exceptions for visitors and guests up to a certain amount of time no different than you have pretty much any other kind of apartment building you know throughout northern virginia and so will they have like parking permits and designated parking for their specific units every every unit is going to have its own integral parking like that and then if they need guests are coming in town they have two units two parking spaces per unit and if they need to have guests are coming in stuff like that they can go ahead they'll have parking tags they can use the parking tag, but, you know, you have a property manager who's walking on the property every day, and, [05:41:05] you know, you start seeing the same, you know, you start seeing the same Chevy Nova sitting there, you know, or whatever, two or three days, you know, they're going to have, who is this? You can look it up. You can see what it is. If it needs to be towed, it needs to be towed, but the goal is, you know, people are paying with the expectation that they're going to be living in an area that's well-maintained and well-policed. Thank you, and then the last question I have is related to transportation, and more just a comment. I mean, you know, we've been addressing in the Brentsville district some areas which needed a sidewalk we were able to get grants to be able to uh you know from other sources in order to extend the sidewalk particularly on [05:41:44] Sudley Manor Drive um and that project is currently ongoing and is in the works and uh so I've you know you know as we are coming up on our CIP process uh this is probably one of those things we probably need to get into CIP so our transportation folks can can get that uh you know going out for grants on that no we completely support that effort so thank you madam chair all right does anyone else have any questions if not does anyone have questions for the county speak once or forever hold your piece you have something to say thank you chair Jefferson I need to correct a statement [05:42:21] that I made to vice chair Bailey she asked about off-site if anything was occurring off-site actually there is I was just informed Public Works is working on some of the stormwater issues in the neighborhood to the north of this application. [05:42:41] So Public Works is on it, so they're doing something to address that concern. So I just wanted to relay that because I told you I didn't know if anything was being done. So thank you. All right. Well, thank you so very much. [05:42:56] I'd like to, I guess, entertain a motion to move this forward. So moved, Madam Chair. I'm sorry. Supervisor? Okay, yes. Talking all over. [05:43:12] thank you for that the reason why i asked that is because i knew that there was a program that we were working on with that being a older area that needed to be incorporated and the other thing that i wanted to say was about the parking no property manager is that the property manager um thank you alex the property manager is is that's not a program where they're going to live there temporarily they will be there continually correct that's correct that is their home okay to monitor the... [05:43:43] That is their job. They live in their community. And frankly, the goal is hopefully they're a member of the community as well. But you have to be a trusted resource. You have to be, as people rent, they're your first neighbor, really. [05:43:59] You come in there and they're the person you meet. And frankly, people, just like anything else, you move in a neighborhood, where do you get this, where do you get that, where do you get this, helps orient people like that. But also, just to Supervisor Gordy's point, you know my screen door is not working way like that this is the person you talk to you know okay thank you madam chair that's clear all right thank you very much anyone else so i'm sure we're going ahead with the motion i move to approve 13a second all right any discussion let's see supervisor bode thank you madam chair wanted to first again thank the community members [05:44:35] that have been out lisa jesse i see you i know we have a lot more issues to work through and i know So while they're not localized to this project, I know that this project is another concern you have on top of everything else going around you. So I wanted to say first that I see you, and I appreciate your diligence in getting everyone together. [05:44:53] I know, Lisa, you've been trying for five years to get everyone together. We finally did that a couple weeks ago. And I know that you saw that that conversation bore fruit, even if that meant some of Public Works reaming school staff, because they have not been doing the best job. So I appreciate that. [05:45:09] So to the folks broader throughout the Devil's Reeds community, I know this is a special piece of paradise for you all. This is literally a semi-rural road surrounded by really urbanized growth. And I know that's part of the reason why you all care about and take such pride in your road and your neighborhood. [05:45:27] And that character is worth protecting. At the same time, recognize that there are others that are drawn to the same convenience and this sense of place. And this proposal would open that opportunity up to more people at various life stages who need more flexibility with housing options. You know, earlier we were talking about the opportunity to have service members who may be deployed in the area for just six months. [05:45:47] And instead of having them have to buy all the furniture, buy all the appliances, buy all these things for six months, they're giving an option now to, if we go through with this, to go in and move in for as long as their deployment is or as long as their orders will take them. And they're able to live in our community. [05:46:04] So this helps serve the housing concerns that we've been talking about as a board. At the same time, all your concerns are valid, as was said by the applicant. Traffic, density, preserving your way of life are understandable, and I hear you on that. That's why I've been working so close with the applicant. [05:46:19] As you saw, the very first iteration of this project that can also conform the comp plan was multifamily, large-scale apartment bills. We knew that that was a non-starter for community, and that's why we went back to the drawing board with the applicant and changed this up. we cut the density in half i cannot overstate that enough went from around 160 units to 80 because we heard you guys on on your concerns about this four-story apartments would not have been in favor by you all and it wasn't a good thing for for for the area so i want to just quickly talk about the key changes again we increased the open space from 30 to 50 percent [05:46:57] over 70 percent over 70 000 square feet of tree canopy preserved over three uh parking spaces so 51 additional spaces over the county uh uh requirements i know sir franklin you talked about that we know that if we didn't do parking right for this we did not want to see overflow parking on devil's reach that was also a non-starter for me i know that you guys were impacted by that so we made sure we worked with the applicant that we weren't going to have parking concerns on Devil's Reach Road. [05:47:27] Reoriented the buildings. Again, folks did not want a stick of townhouses looking back door to back door, yard to yard, so we fixed that as well. Public amenities, I know it's not a pool and fitness center, but we do have a dog park. We have these open facilities that are actually going to be open to you all to access if we approve this. [05:47:46] So we see that as a positive for you all. 10%, I know it's only eight units. I know that was said earlier, but when you have an 80-unit townhouse complex, There's not a lot of room there to provide much more than that. But we talked about the price. We talked about the target audience for this project and how it provides, like was said, a rental opportunity that is not present here, that's going to be well managed and taken care of. [05:48:11] In terms of the sidewalk and the roadway itself, we're not talking about making Devil's Region to a giant modern roadway that's urbanized. We know that would take away from the character of your road, but we do know that there's been a lack of investment and a lack of attention to safety and walkability on that. [05:48:30] So we have been working with our transportation department in line with the developer, in line with VDOT, to have a sidewalk project that I've directed staff to look at. As Supervisor Gordy said, there are grant opportunities. What some people don't realize is this area is actually an opportunity zone, which also opens up federal and state grants that we can provide for that walkability as well, and additional infrastructure that may not be available in other places. [05:48:56] So at the end of the day, I know that folks in the community, folks on the street, are going to be disappointed by our support for this. But please be aware that this project is better because of your involvement. And again, just because this project is approved, it doesn't mean we're just going to back away and forget about devil's reach all over again. [05:49:14] you have my commitment that you know even as this project is going through we're going to be looking at schools we're going to be on top of them we're going to be on top of vdot public works as was said is going to be coming in to address a lot of the stormwater management issues and we you have our commitment we continue to stay on top of this ensure that you are neglected no more thank you madam chair all right thank you supervisor bode is there anyone else i don't see anyone else all right we'll go ahead and take our vote all right thank you so very much and so now we're going to [05:49:51] go on to our next. I'm going to allow people to step out and we're going to move on to item 13b [05:50:02] and that's a rezoning for Bristow campus in the Brentsville Magisterial District. All right guys [05:51:00] folks as we have more people coming in I want to ask that everyone take a seat. This is not my rule it's the fire marshal and I'm going to abide by it. The next thing I'm going to ask is again we have new faces that we show respect to people who are speaking. There are no outbursts. Outbursts means clapping, speaking, yay, even the hand signals. We're not doing that. This is going to be a long night. There are a lot of people who want to sign up to speak, and I want to be respectful of that. [05:51:31] So with that in mind, I have a few more people coming in. All right. Ms. Cameron, are you ready? I am ready. Thank you. Good evening, Chair Jefferson and members of the board. My name is Jonelle Cameron with Walsh, Colucci, Lubelai, and Walsh. And Chair Jefferson, with your permission, I would like to combine the application presentations for item 13B and 13C. [05:52:05] Technically, each gets 20 minutes. I promise you all I will be less than 40. I know there are a lot of people here, and I will try to stick to less than 20. But are you okay if I combine the applications? Are you saying less than 20 combined? Yes, I'm trying. [05:52:22] You see a lot of people. I'm trying. I'm here tonight on behalf of the applicant STAC infrastructure. We have representatives from STAC, the civil engineer team, environmental consultant team, and transportation team here to answer any questions that you all may have. [05:52:40] As you are aware, STAC is seeking a rezoning to PBD with OH and M2 land bays and a special use permit to allow for a data center outside of the overlay district. The Bristow property is on your screen outlined in aqua. [05:52:58] It is approximately 57.88 acres in size. The property is zoned A1 agricultural, and it's comprehensively planned I-3 industrial and POS, which is parks and open space. [05:53:14] The proposed data center use is a primary use in I-3 designation. And as you are aware, if you are outside of the overlay district, a special use permit is required. As such, that is why the applicant has added the special use permit as part of its application. [05:53:31] And within the data center overlay district, if you're outside of the data center overlay district, it doesn't mean that you're unable to have a data center. What it means is the staff and the board want to look at your data center further and a special use permit to mitigate any additional impacts that you may have. [05:53:50] As I walk through this proposal, I will walk through with you all how we have mitigated any additional impacts. In August 2022, a rezoning and special use permit application was submitted for the property. At that time, the application was submitted by a different applicant. [05:54:09] There were two data centers that were proposed on the property totaling 900,000 square feet, and that applicant was seeking a maximum height of 110 feet. A substation was also proposed on site. Based on feedback that was heard from staff, the board supervisor's office as well, That applicant pulled their application and stack filed a new application. [05:54:34] This application made significant changes. The applicant specifically reoriented the buildings so they would be further back from 28. So here is 28. The buildings were moved further back. The applicant reduced the square footage to approximately 540,000 square feet, reduced the height to 75 feet, and tied the height to the median sea level based on finish grade. [05:55:01] This is important because it helps with the visual impacts that you will see in upcoming slides. The applicant also removed the on-site substation and committed to providing property to the county for parks and rec purposes that aligns with the comprehensive plan. [05:55:19] Access to the property will be from Route 28. As part of the proposal, the applicant is providing a dedicated right turn lane into the site. The applicant is lengthening, adding additional feet to this left turn lane here. [05:55:35] And the applicant has proffered a pro rata share towards the traffic signal at the intersection of Golf Academy Drive that is being developed by the property adjacent. When discussing the site, we heard a lot of concerns about traffic specifically along the Route 28 in Linton Hall Corridor. [05:55:57] And we provided this slide that shows the daily trips that are associated with a data center versus the daily trips that would be associated with any other uses on the site. And as you can see, this proposal is significantly less traffic than any other potential use. [05:56:14] From an open space perspective, the applicant is providing significant open space. Approximately 40% of this site will be open space. The applicant is proposing a 50-foot buffer along Route 28. [05:56:30] In this area here, a 50-foot buffer along the western portion. They're also providing buffers adjacent to YFT. And in addition, they're providing, as I mentioned previously, 14 acres, a little less than 14 acres to the county for parks and rec purposes. [05:56:49] The applicant has also committed to 25 acres of undisturbed open space as part of this proposal. This slide is the master campus plan, so it shows how the Bristow campus fits in with the other surrounding data centers. [05:57:08] The Avanti campus is located here, the YFT campus is here, and the Bristow data center campus is here. One of the benefits of this proposal is if the Bristow data center campus is approved, the main access between the Bristow campus and the YFT campus will be from Route 28, And the access on Layton Hall Road in this area here will actually be for emergency access only. [05:57:37] So it will be moving vehicles away from the YFT campus. This slide shows the Parks and Rec section of the comprehensive plan. The county, as part of their Parks and Rec comprehensive plan, have a trail system and vision that will connect Broad Run. [05:57:58] The applicant is part of this proposal. The site is here in purple. The applicant, as part of this proposal, has proffered to construct that trail system. The area that you see in yellow here is property that was dedicated to the county from both the YFT and Avanti campuses. [05:58:22] The area that is in purple here will be the area that is dedicated from the Bristow campus site. The applicant has specifically proffered that it will construct a trail on the dedicated areas on an amount not to exceed $1,140,000. [05:58:41] This is in line with a comprehensive plan for the multimodal pedestrian connections and essentially filling the gaps within the Broad Run Trail. The applicant walked the site with Parks and Rec. So the existing trail images are from December 2024, and that's what you see on the top screen. [05:59:02] And the lower level screen is what would be done as part of the trail system. We've had a lot of questions regarding power and where will power come from from this site. The applicant has specifically proffered that a substation will not be on the Bristow campus site. [05:59:21] And power will come from the Avanti substations that are in this area here. The power will be underground as part of this proposal. The applicant will be at a cost of approximately $14 million boring underground to be able to connect that power. [05:59:41] As part of the special use permit conditions, the applicant has proffered to four out of five of the design standards that are outlined in the data center overlay district. In addition, the applicant has proffered to sustainability measures, so they proffered to eight out of a list of sustainability measures. [06:00:02] and they also proffer to sound studies pre and post development, as well as meeting the noise levels. The applicant conditioned to two of building elevation. So this is building elevation option A, and this is building elevation option B. This slide is a contextual exhibit that walks through where the closest residential and schools are. We've heard a lot of conversations about data centers not next to schools or homes and making sure that they're over a quarter mile away [06:00:37] and this slide shows that the closest residential and public schools are over a quarter mile away from the property and then in the next couple of slides there are a lot I will go through through them quickly we did some line of sight exhibits what we found is people have asked us well great you're saying it's not visual but visual but what will that look like as we are looking at it from different angles because of the proximity to the bristow battlefield we had to take line of sight exhibits from bristol battlefield station and those locations were [06:01:14] specifically scoped with the county archaeologist so i'll first just walk through with you what are the visual line of sites both in the winter and the summer from bristol battlefield and then we'll go through what are the line of sites from the closest sort of residential developments as well so from bristow battlefield this is existing so it is if you are this area highlighted in blue and it'll sort of be the same on each one of the screens this specific site is about 3085 feet away from the building so this is existing this points you to where your eyes should look and [06:01:54] again it's 3085 feet away this is what it would be visual in the winter which is not very visible you would maybe see the top of the building. This is what it looks like in the summer. And then again, sorry, summer existing, pointing your eye, and then not. So then this slide here, this is 3,318 feet away. So again, it's not visible. We did this next one. It's 4,075 feet away. [06:02:29] If you're looking here, this is the nearest building corner. Again, 4,075 feet away. It would not be visible based on the topography of the site. This site is actually higher than where the building would be located. This is the same view in the summer. [06:02:48] We did it again from the edge of where New Bristow Village is and Bristow Station Battlefield is. This is 3,177 feet away. This points you to where you should look nearest building corner. And then as you can see, the building is actually, because of the topography, lower than the existing homes. [06:03:09] this is existing pointing you to where you should look and this is the view in the summertime we then did it from various residential areas just to be able to see what would the view be this is from new bristow village it's 2739 feet away so it's about 0.52 miles this is where you should look from an eye perspective and again this is over half a mile away it's not visible we did it again from Avondale. So if you're looking in Avondale, this is again over half a mile away [06:03:46] from the site where you should point your eye to and it would not be visible. This is the view from Ashley Ridge. It's 0.46 miles away, so a little less than half a mile away from the site. Because the topography of the site, the building sits lower than where this viewshed is from and it is not visible. We did it from Woodlawn Estates. Woodlawn Estates is a half a mile away from the site where you should point your eye to and it's not visible. Finally, we did a view shed from [06:04:23] Saybrook. Saybrook is also over a half a mile away from the site. Due to the topography of the site, it sits lower and it is not visible. One thing that was asked of us specifically is can you do the view shed also from the residential that is across from the creek this is regency apartments it's about 0.31 miles away from the site and then visually just pointing you would see potentially the top of the building there we've also had a lot of discussions about water [06:05:01] and what does water look like for the buildings and the usage on the site and on a daily average And we understand that data centers have peak hours during the summer, but on a daily average, the water consumption for this site is much lower than any other uses within the development or nearby the development. [06:05:25] As we were going through this process, there were a lot of conversations about truck routing and dumping. This was specifically as it pertained to Noakesville Road and the issues that they were having on 28 and Noakesville Road with sites that were getting dirt and excess fill material. [06:05:44] What the applicant specifically did as part of this proposal is they're conditioned to several different items that pertain to truck routing. so the first is receiving sites so the applicant specifically designated receiving sites for their excess dirt and excavation what we have said is those receiving sites will be as part of the construction general permit plan that the county reviews prior to starting construction we also said that as part of that plan we would do a trucking route so that the county is aware of [06:06:20] the routes that the trucks will be using. We also limited the trucking hours to Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays. And the applicant is committing to, at the time of site plan, looking at opportunities to berm along Route 28 that allows for there to be less excess fill from the site. And this slide just shows those trucking routes that I had mentioned to and from the site since the first submission the applicant was able to look at the site and reduce the export by 35 percent the building um first floor elevation was raised by four feet so [06:06:59] again trying to limit the excess dirt that was taken from the site we looked at increasing berms as well and the other thing that we looked at is if it's not this what else would it be and what would that potentially do to hauling off? So we looked at doing maybe a comparable warehouse or industrial use, and what would that look like? And it would actually be a 250% increase in dirt haul off to make the site work for those uses. And as I promised, I said I would be quick, less than 20 [06:07:35] minutes. With a positive staff recommendation for approval and recommendation of approval from the Planning Commission we respectfully request that the board also recommend approval or approve this application and I can answer any questions you may have when it's my time. I was going to say hold on does anyone have any questions for the applicant right now? All right I'm going to if we don't have [06:08:03] any questions all right come on staff. Good evening Chair Jefferson, board members my name is Alex Venegas and I am presenting on thank you. Good evening my name is Alex Venegas from the planning [06:08:39] office. I am presenting on behalf of Scott Meyer who's the case manager for this application and I will be presenting both the rezoning and special use permit application in the same presentation as what was previously done. So this is a proposal for two current concurrent requests. [06:09:02] The first is to rezone approximately 58.17 acres that is currently designated A1 to a planned business district, which is using the office high-rise and light industrial as the implementing zoning districts for this development. [06:09:24] They are also requesting up to 75 feet height exclusive of rooftop mechanical equipment. And they do have some waivers for buffers. And they committed to a floor area ratio of 0.25, along with the building height limit of 75 feet. [06:09:47] In addition, as what was mentioned previously, this application requires a SUP because it's outside of the data center opportunity zone overlay district. and they would like to use a data center use for this application. [06:10:05] So the general location is along Noakesville Road, right near not too far from the intersection of Linton Hall Road, and the G-PINs are listed on there as well as on the application, and staff is recommending approval. [06:10:25] So the long-range land use and the COB plan, A portion of the property is industrial tech flex, and then the remainder of the property is parks and open space. The applicant has committed to donating the land to our parks and rec to help facilitate and complete a portion of the trail associated with the broad-run linear park. [06:10:54] The remainder of it is I3, is where the data centers are going to occur. And again, there was two data centers. The current designation is A1, and there are proposals to change it to PBD. This is the environmental constraints, and as you can see, this is the general area that's RPA that the applicant has proffered to dedicate to the county for linear park and trail. [06:11:32] And the remainder of the area over here is where the data centers are going to occur. This application originally had a substation associated with the previous application. The current application, there's no substation on site. [06:11:52] And this shows the perimeter and buffering associated with the application. As I mentioned earlier, there is a waiver for a reduced buffer in this location. the applicant is keeping the buffer within the requirements along the perimeter there is an increase in here but there's a variable width buffer that goes from 60 to 40 as you approach the area where they're requesting a modification this is showing the transportation improvements [06:12:31] associated with the ingress and egress of the facility. The first one is the main access point to the property. The other one's an emergency access only, and both of those are accessible from Nooksville Road. [06:12:53] Janelle went through the transportation improvements with the turn lane, the increased turn lane, as well as if a traffic signal warrant analysis shows that a traffic signal needs to be put at that location, they committed to proffering, I think it's 32% of the cost of the traffic signal. [06:13:16] This is the general development plan showing the landscaping associated with the application. As previously mentioned, they meet the buffering requirements with a few exceptions where they requested minor modifications to the proffer requirements. [06:13:34] I mean, to the landscape requirements. The applicant also provided elevations that they committed to. These are examples. The first one on top is facing Noakesville Road. [06:13:50] This is what they committed to. They also have the color schemes associated with the proposal. And then the next one, the middle one, is exterior elevations facing northwest. [06:14:08] And the last one is facing the rear of the property where they have the retaining wall. These are some additional proposed exterior elevations for the campus. These are the different comprehensive plan sections that the application looked at. [06:14:34] As you can see, for consistency, each one of these comprehensive plan sections, the application does meet consistency with the comprehensive plan. Now, however, we did identify that there are some weaknesses associated with the application. [06:14:51] First of all, it's outside of the data center overlay. Additional weaknesses was the extent of the building design commitment and uncertainty of the layout for non-data center uses, as well as potential for additional impacts associated with transmission lines. [06:15:10] The planning office is recommendation or recommend approval that the planning commission recommended approval and staff concurs with that and recommends approval for both the rezoning and the special use permit with proffers dated March 25th, 2025 and conditions dated October 1st, 2024 for the following reasons. [06:15:35] The proposed industrial tech park with the intended development as a data center facility is consistent with the I-3 tech flex industrial land use designation in the comprehensive plan. The proposed limits of disturbance, park dedication, and provisions of the trail easement are consistent with the parks and open space designation that's in the comprehensive plan as well. [06:15:59] And the proposal will facilitate the delivery of a data center campus, which is still identified as a targeted industry that favorably aligns with the strategic goals of economic development. [06:16:11] And lastly, as proffered and conditioned, the enhanced mitigation measures being proposed offset the impacts that were identified through the reduced, such as reduced height and building massing, enhanced screening and buffering measures, access improvements, environmental resource preservation, enhancement to the broad run linear park network, and sensitivity to the surrounding areas. [06:16:41] and with that we'll gladly take any questions all right does anyone on the board have any questions supervisor gordy thank you madam chair um thank you alex and in your weaknesses you reported um you know one of the concerns related to additional transmission lines could you speak to that yes yes sir uh supervisor um 40 so we don't know all the information regarding the transmission lines you know where they will occur and how they'll access the property so that uncertainty [06:17:16] to staff is a weakness uh but that's controlled by dominion power um so that that's one of the concerns that staff had okay did you want to say something or you like you wanted to say something you don't want to say anything all right um well we do know that there's transmission to get in or distribution to get into the buildings yes there is distribution and that's not to be confused with transmission that is coming from noakesville across this site every routing that dominion has proposed brings it across this site um could you speak to that uh so the applicant oh i'll let [06:17:56] the applicant speak to that because i'm not fully familiar with the full transmission line so thank you and i want to just make sure i understand your question correctly so dominion has a transmission line planned as a reliability line specifically for innovation that transmission line project is coming with or without the bristow project and is not needed for the bristow project [06:18:28] when the routes that we have seen would come through potentially some of the open space but the applicant is providing double has committed to at least double the open space than what's required under the zoning ordinance today so the zoning ordinance for open space is 20 percent and for this application the applicant is providing a minimum of 40 percent open space okay so so but you're not sure on which side of the data centers the the routing would take place and whether it would eliminate any current the buffers that are being planned as i have seen the route supervisor [06:19:06] gordy i believe i do not know if they will come directly across from it but there's one see you have the colored elevation sorry i just want to go to my presentation if you don't know why you're saying you say it's reliability innovation but let's just be honest it's going to avanti which is feeding distribution into this site going to avanti for reliability the reliability is going into the substations that are feeding into this site but the reliability [06:19:44] is for all of the data centers but for this this would not be needed this the entire data center area here so but it's got to come across around this site uh one one way or another but i just want to be clear but for the data centers as a whole within innovation yes not because of bristow or because of avanti or because of yft separately but the substations that are feeding this area will feed the reliability right um so i just wanted to be able to answer your question because [06:20:18] i think your question is just to be clear if the transmission is on this side of noakesville road there's a concern that it would wipe the 50 foot buffer but as you can see we do have a road but there is space behind it to still have additional buffer area so it wouldn't necessarily wipe it completely because we've set the buildings back further from the road okay but uh any other buffers that you anticipate being affected by that no okay i'll uh yield for this time thank you [06:20:56] ma'am does anyone else have any questions all right then thank you so very much thank you we are going to i am going to open the public hearing for 13b and 13c while i'll wait the list what i'm going to do is I'm going to call everyone in groups of five. As I stated earlier, please say your name and the magisterial district where you generally reside, and you will look up the screen and we'll give you the time. So with that, I am going to start with Stephanie Chartrand, Terry [06:21:35] Gagnou, Ogna Bell, Francisco Esperanza, Carla Silas. And again, no outcries. Carla, i'm looking at you i remember last time the saying you live in montclair i can find you all right you may go thank you good evening i'm stephanie chartrand a 40-year resident of the [06:22:09] gainesville district here it is another try for your approval of the bristow data center campus application when it comes to any data center applications i urge you to think of their impacts on the entire county. Do you have the Fairfax Water Scientists report on the impacts from the 2040 comp plan amendment to the watershed and water supply? This was initiated by the last board a few years ago. Do you know how much more your constituents will soon be paying in their electric [06:22:46] bills to subsidize these wealthy industrial super users? Do you know the risks to power brownouts to residents, schools, and small businesses when there isn't enough power for us and hyperscale data centers? Do you know how hard the data center industry will fight efforts by the state corporation commission to require them to pay the costs for power transmission and power generation that they need? Do you know how much the road damage from thousands of truckloads of [06:23:24] dirt and heavy equipment has and will continue to cost us. These heavy industrial uses are prematurely aging our roads. Enough of you have had concerns and doubts about this project for the previous attempts for your approval. What does it tell you about an applicant who exploits the untimely death of your fellow board member in order to get their project approved? Would you think well of this applicant if the board vacancy was any of your seats? We are one Prince William [06:24:03] when it comes to the cost and negative impacts from any data center campus. Please vote no on the proposed Bristow campus application. And for our one Prince William, please put a moratorium on any further data center applications until three things happen. One, the Gainesville District has a voting supervisor. Two, the Fairfax Water Impact Study results are in for your information and to [06:24:39] inform your votes. And three, the data center industry is required to pay for its own electricity generation and transmission without impacts to our water and air quality. Thank you for the opportunity and good evening. Next speaker, please. Hello, my name is Terwin Ganya and I'm from Gainesville, Virginia. And I want to say I agree 100% with everything the previous lady just said. I've been coming to these things on and off since 2018 and it's pretty much the same old story. [06:25:17] We don't know where the power is coming from, where the water is going to go, if we're going to have water. The sound study, I haven't heard anything about a sound study. It seems as if we're still putting the horse before the cart or the cart before the horse, whichever way you would like to say that. But we don't have representation in Gainesville at this time. [06:25:43] So Ms. Jefferson was going to have to take that added responsibility on herself. Unfortunately, she doesn't get an extra vote for that. So I want these things delayed or probably just denied outright for bristow so we don't gains fill this bristow at the same time i'd like a moratorium on all the data center constructions until we have a better handle on what we can and cannot do dominion power just asked for a rate increase in richmond of ten dollars a month for [06:26:18] utility fees and ten dollars a month for uh added fuel cost so in in less than 10 years that's going to be 20 bucks on top of the 10 i'm paying now for excess water usage so we just don't have these things corralled as we should before we approve these items so i'm asking you to basically deny this and put a moratorium on these data centers thank you for your time next speaker please good [06:26:53] evening my name is una bell and i am just standing in solidarity with the residents of bristol that the data center that is being proposed be voted down. And the reason simply being that we are in Four Seasons are having the same situation. And I just want you to know that it is very impactful on the seniors in this community, in our community, and it will be the same for Bristol. So my situation is just to stand in solidarity with them to know that we are with them because we are dealing with the same situation. And we pray that you guys will think [06:27:27] seriously about approving what is being placed before you thank you next speaker please hi my name is carla silas i've lived in the potomac district since 1994 i really hadn't planned on speaking tonight because i'm really even shocked that you all sitting up there would even consider holding this vote on where are your morals mr weir is not here to hold a vote and i'm really shocked and disappointed that you all would even consider holding this vote tonight it's just i'm [06:28:05] ashamed of you all that you will even consider this that's all i'm gonna say because i will be asked to leave if i say anything else you'll be asked to leave if you storm out again all right um before i get to the next speaker i want to call up my next round george stewart um kojo Cojo Agalao, Nancy Armour, Barbara Benny. [06:28:32] Are any of you here? All right, I'm going to read those names again, but then after that I'll strike them out. Cojo Agalao, Nancy Armour, Barbara Benny, okay, Greg Seban, and Stan Redinger. [06:29:00] All right, thank you. You may proceed. Good evening. My name is Francisco Esparza. I live in Woodbridge in Prince William County, and I am a proud representative of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. I have been a resident for over 20 years and attended Prince William County schools, including Hampton Middle School and Garfield High School. [06:29:25] I am here today to speak in support of the proposed Bristol Campus Data Center project in Bransville District of Prince William County. Prince William County, like many counties across the Commonwealth of Virginia, have seen benefits in projects like this, both in generating significant tax revenue and creating good paying jobs for local construction workers. [06:29:50] This project is no different. Prince William County has helped to create good paying jobs for skilled union construction workers in Prince William County and opportunities for new apprentices to start a career in the industry, not just through the data centers that have been approved, but through future projects that will be funded by this tax revenue. On behalf of the carpenters union and the thousands of members we represent in virginia please support the bristol [06:30:25] campus project thank you all right next speaker please i believe that george stewart was up before yes george and then nancy good evening george stewart gainesville i'm going to keep this short you have tens of thousands of residents of your county that don't have representation [06:30:57] right now. This is not the time to vote on this. I implore you to kick this to November until Bob's seat is filled. This is not the time. It's not respectable to those of us who live in the Gainesville district. It's not respectable to the entire county, and it's not respectable to democracy. That's all I got. Next speaker. Good evening. I'm Nancy Armour, and I live in the [06:31:35] Occoquan District, and I'm here tonight to show support for our folks in Gainesville. There was a big war that centered around taxation without representation. We're all too young to have remembered that, but it was a pivotal point in our history. And our folks in Gainesville have no representation yet again when a project has come before the board. We're also missing another supervisor tonight. Every vote for a data center is impactful, not just for us here in Prince William County, but for Virginia, for the whole region. If you're following anything about the [06:32:15] transmission lines, the power generation, the water use, the air quality, all of these things go beyond Prince William County. They impact everyone in the region and everyone in the country. [06:32:31] So I ask that you defer the vote tonight until our fellow citizens have representation. At a minimum, please deny the vote or deny the project and preserve our land for projects that will benefit all of the county and get us some professional jobs in here. [06:32:51] Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Hi, I'm Barbara Binney. I live in the Potomac District. Just say no to Bristow, campus without representation for vote. [06:33:07] The Four Seasons community opposes data centers adjacent to any residential community. We stand with Bristow community. Deny or defer the Bristow campus data center project. This would place data centers outside of the data center overlay zone. [06:33:24] Vote no on this project. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Greg Steven, Potomac District. I'm a resident of Four Seasons, and to continue from the previous speaker, and in support of our fellow county citizens and friends in Bristow and the challenges they face. [06:33:44] We, the residents of Four Seasons, are not just a neighborhood. We're a community, the same as Bristow. Ours is built on the concept of well-earned, peaceful lives in a style and place that we've earned and deserve. Our vision is to continue as the premier active adult community in Northern Virginia. [06:34:01] That is one of our contributions to this county, but that may become a thing of the past. Planners and developers apparently don't see the value in such things. Fighting back is exhausting, but we fought our whole lives to reach this point. That's why it hurts to feel targeted. [06:34:18] Developers assume that we're too old, too tired, or too quiet to resist an industry driven by speed, scale, and profit. What recourse do we have? We contemplate. Should we move, tough it out, stay and fight, or give up just because it almost seems inevitable? [06:34:36] Do we really want to be seen and known as the data center capital of America? The world? Prince William County will run out of water. That is not what we signed up for. We could move, but look what we'd be losing and what we have to do. Such a loss is always stressful, and it all gets more difficult with age. We have spent our whole lives fighting a daily grind to get to the point where we needn't do that anymore. It is why developers see us as an easy target. Can we trust our leaders to have our backs and support us? We came here to rest, not be tested again, but maybe that's why we're being targeted. Do they assume that a [06:35:15] community of seniors will just roll over and surrender or die before it is built? That is so wrong. They are so wrong. This is not a contest of political ideologies. We're fighting for our homes, our children, our grandchildren, and their legacies. This will bring out the best in us. That I promise you. I pray it brings out the best in each of you. Thank you. All right, before I call on the next speaker, I want to get up my next group of people. That's Carol Redinger, Lisa Polgar, Meg Stephens, Patrick Harters, Ginny Osborne. [06:35:57] All right, sir, you may proceed. Members of the board, my name is Stan Radiger. I live in Four Seasons in the Potomac District. A data center complex has been proposed for Lexora Park, in which land is adjacent to the Four Seasons community. [06:36:15] Lexora Park is located at Route 234 and I-95 outside of the Data Center Overly District. Like the Bristow District Center Campus proposal, a special use permit will be required to proceed with this development. [06:36:32] Our community has raised serious concerns about the Lexora Park proposal. Bristow residents share these concerns about the Bristow Data Center Campus. Kitchen table related issues include increasing household electric and water bills stemming from stress on local power grids and water supplies. [06:36:51] the power grid is already overloaded. The U.S. Department of Energy projects that Virginia power needs will fail reliability requirements by 2030. They project 607 hours of blackouts per year. During blackouts, data centers must continue to operate by relying on backup generators. [06:37:09] At peak load, noise and air pollution will increase when backup generators are used. Potential blackouts will burden county residents, not data center operators. The regional electrical grid operator reports that Prince William County used approximately 860 megawatts of electrical power in 2024. [06:37:30] Further, the county data centers are using electricity sufficient to power approximately 650,000 homes, nearly four times the 175,000 households in Prince William County. The county's data center power demand is expected to increase by 76%, a 660-megawatt increase, when the 15 facilities under construction are completed, enough to power another 495,000 homes. [06:37:58] However, little attention has been paid to the shortfall in power generation and the resulting increased cost to residents. Reports indicate that data centers are draining the power supply in the Bristow area. Consistent with the comprehensive plan, the board should be furthering development that benefits county residents. [06:38:18] A good place to start is emphasizing low-income housing under the new low-income housing ordinance. This application has been withdrawn four times by the developers to the developers' benefit. For the benefit of Gainesville residents, the board should delay this application until the residents elect a new supervisor so their voices may be heard. [06:38:39] Thank you. Next speaker, please. Good evening. My name is Carol Reddiger, and I also live in Four Seasons Community in the Potomac District. There's a quality about the residents of our community that one finds in few other places. [06:38:58] There's a sense of unity and common thread that runs through the population. If you drive through and visit the clubhouse and notice the age of the residents you see, they've worked hard all of their lives to get there, and most have assumed that this is the last place that they will live. [06:39:14] But that dream is being shattered by those who have no regard for the fragile beauty of senior years. Some households include disabled children, veterans, or elderly parents, and all are extra acceptable to the negative impacts of the nearby data centers. [06:39:34] Although it has long been known that the property adjacent to our community was zoned for light industrial development, the lure of big money has brought the wave of data center developers into the eastern part of the county. We have all felt the disbelief when told centers or warehouses were the only two options for the property in question, but there are many other potential uses. Perhaps affordable housing, as mentioned in the Fettler Park study, should be considered. We do not want to be part of the unrestrained and unhealthy sprawl of data centers in the county encroaching [06:40:10] our development by mere feet. The zoning ordinance language in section 15.2-2283 of the Code of Virginia states zoning ordinances shall be for the general purpose of promoting the health, safety, or general welfare of the public. I ask you to please keep this at the forefront of all of your decision making. And on a final note, I urge the board to defer data center rezonings, proffer amendments and special use permits countywide until a new Gainesville district supervisor is [06:40:49] seated after the November special election. How can you consider the Bristol campus vote tonight without giving their district representation? Thank you. Next speaker, please. Hi, my name is Lisa McFerrin-Polgar. I'm also a resident of Four Seasons in the Potomac District. The people of Four Seasons, along with those living near the Bristol campus and the Gainesville district data centers share a common concern. We oppose the continued expansion of data centers adjacent to our neighborhoods. We want to assure the Board of County Supervisors that while we speak against [06:41:27] the potential of data centers behind Four Seasons, like Lexora Park, we're also speaking for all the communities similarly affected in our entire county. The issue is more complex than simple opposition. There's a growing perception that as residents, our opinions are sidelined and that our elected representatives make decisions without our input. Case in point, despite strong objections from residents, our four-seasons HOA seven-member board voted to support Lexora Park. [06:42:01] This creates a feeling that the voices of those who live here are often disregarded. As taxpayers, we have witnessed significant sums spent on legal appeals regarding rezoning for the Prince William digital gateway after Judge Irving's ruling. The board's previous decision was labeled arbitrary and capricious by the judge. This raises concerns about how much public money has already been used to defend and justify that vote and how many more millions will be spent on future appeals. [06:42:34] How could the board even commit taxpayer dollars to a project that will adversely affect our environment and quality of life without seeking consent from the very people who will be impacted, especially the people of Gainesville who have no vote. Virginia has set a goal to be powered by 100% renewable energy resources by 2050. However, the proliferation of data centers raises questions about our ability to meet this target. According to recent studies by the Virginia Department of Energy, the anticipated energy demand from new data centers could exceed current energy capacity [06:43:11] by 30 percent, necessitating increased use of natural gas in coal plants. Delegate Joss Thomas has stated that once all currently approved data centers are constructed, the Lake Anna nuclear plant could not have the capacity to provide energy, sufficient energy, to serve Virginia residents, further underscoring the strain on our energy infrastructure and our dependence on fossil fuels. [06:43:35] This area already hosts the largest concentration of data centers in the world. What are the priorities of this board? Is filling every available square foot with data centers the legacy we want to leave for future generations? I strongly urge the board to halt any further approvals until a thorough energy and environmental impact assessment is completed, ensuring our county's future remains aligned with Virginia's renewable energy commitments. [06:44:03] Thank you. Next speaker, please. Good evening. My name is Meg Stevens, and I'm a resident of Montclair in the Potomac District. Thank you for the opportunity to speak this evening. First, I want to just be clear that I am speaking tonight as an individual resident of the county and not in my role as chair of the Potomac Magisterial District Democratic Committee. [06:44:29] We live in a digital world. Every photo you upload, every email you send, every app you use is powered by data centers. massive buildings filled with servers that run 24-7. And here in Northern Virginia, our region has become the world's data center capital. But while facilities may not be built right next to our homes in Montclair, we're still impacted and we need to pay attention. [06:44:54] Too often, concerns about data centers are brushed aside as NIMBY complaints, not in my backyard. But let's be clear, this matters to all of us, even when the development is not in our own backyard. This is about responsible land use across Prince William County. The decisions made today shape our environment, our infrastructure, our quality of life for years to come. First, the energy impact. Data centers are enormous consumers of electricity, as other speakers have mentioned. Virginia data centers already use more than a quarter of the state's power, and that number is expected to grow dramatically. That kind [06:45:31] demand doesn't stay local. It stresses our entire power grid, raising the risk of higher energy costs and reliability issues for all residents, including those of us in Montclair. Even though the project in question isn't adjacent to Montclair, it contributes to county-wide environmental degradation. These centers require deforestation, noise pollution from industrial cooling systems, and they rely on diesel backup generators that release harmful emissions, even when used sparingly. Third, the economic reality. It's true that data centers generate tax revenue, and that [06:46:08] can provide an opportunity to improve schools, infrastructure, and services to the residents of the county, and that's important. But the use of our land is also a major contributor to our quality of life. Our green space or farmland, once gone, is gone. We have to ask, are we planning for long-term value or just going for the quick win? It's starting to feel like data centers are the easy button for economic development. We need to do better. We need a balanced approach that respects both fiscal responsibility and thoughtful land use. In Montclair, we value our green space and our community identity. And while the current proposed data center project may not be at our [06:46:48] doorstep, we are part of the same county and we must speak up when land use decisions threaten the balance of our region. Thank you. Next speaker, please. I'm Patrick Harters of the Gainesville district. Sometimes even a good thing when taken to an excess can turn out to be very bad. We have listened to the people. We have watched them rise up in election after election, and they have spoken. Bob Weir was elected because of his stance on the data centers. Chair Jefferson was elected [06:47:27] for the same reason. There is much greater application to other issues going on, but this is the number one issue in our county right now. We're still dealing with the digital gateway. When we didn't have representation then. But if you saw the map that we looked at just a moment ago, the amount of trucks that are going to be going through the Gainesville district to the district I live in, we are being asked to have construction traffic go through our properties around our homes without any voice. Without Bob, we are there and we know where Bob would have voted. We know [06:48:04] where Bob would have stood. We have two supervisors that aren't here tonight. This vote should have happened in June and it was deferred. And we all know what would have happened if it went through in June. It wouldn't have been successful. We should either defer this vote tonight or simply put an end to it. At some point, we must look at the data center industry and see what it's costing us. Anytime we say yes to something, we're saying no to something else. Just this week, we had a large pharmaceutical company that had come in and they were only offered one site. They chose [06:48:40] Arbor-Miller County. That's a lot of jobs we've lost. We can't put all our investment into the data centers. There is a point that we must say this is enough. Tonight, we look at the two empty seats, and we look at the man we just honored earlier this afternoon, and we must say, what's the appropriate thing to do? What are the optics here? What does it look like? And we must do the right thing. If this is such a great option for us to build this data center, we could vote for it [06:49:18] in november when we have everybody here but we should not push it through this evening the optics will look terrible we'll lose support as the board will lose support amongst the community and so we must do the right thing we must vote to defer this until november all right before the next speaker i [06:49:39] want to call up my next group angela klein gwen myers delton nichols and laura harters all right you may proceed uh jenny osborne rentsville district um yes so this vote should have taken place on june 24th there were enough votes to stop it instead it was delayed due to developer [06:50:13] pressure a move that deeply frustrated the late supervisor weir and sadly with his passing he is not here tonight to call this project for what it is or call out the complacency of defer of repeatedly deferring votes until the conditions are favorable for developers while residents are worn out. Now the Gainesville district has no voice at this dais. That means thousands of residents directly impacted by the project have no elected representation here, and that should weigh heavily on each of you before you vote. We also still have no real decent power solution for [06:50:49] the existing data center overlay, and that has to come first. Expanding outside of that overlay is reckless and defeats the purpose of creating it in the first place, and it also creates chaos by scattering industrial data centers across the county. Developers already have the space within the overlay. They need to respect those boundaries. We heard the presentation tonight and they used the they used worse developments as comparables implying that this project is simply the lesser of evils. That is not how we should develop this county. Planning should not be about what is least bad. It should be about what is the best use for our land and our future. So I'll say what Bob would [06:51:28] said. This is stupid. And I ask you to vote no or at the very least defer. Thank you. Have a great day. Next speaker, please. Good evening, Chair Jefferson and distinguished supervisors. I am here to ask that this vote is either everyone votes no or it's deferred until there's representation for the Gainesville District. There's no denying the reality that Prince William County residents [06:52:04] are paying the price for the data center industry and not just through our utility bills. Families throughout our county are already experiencing the negative impacts of Dominion's overreach, and as new transmission lines are being installed through private property, including the potential for eminent domain, to meet the industry's increasing power demands. [06:52:26] For years, residents have voiced their concerns and called for a stop to industrial expansion, particularly regarding data centers being constructed outside the designated Data Center Opportunity Zone overlay district. today the board of supervisors is reviewing another application for the rezoning of the bristow campus data center this is the applicant's fourth attempt to secure approval to understand a little bit of why moving forward with this vote is unacceptable as you all probably remember looking back to june 24th on that day the bristow campus data center rezoning application was pulled at the [06:53:02] last minute the late supervisor ware made it clear the votes aren't there and then the distinguished Chair Jefferson remarked, I think we all know why this keeps being deferred. The votes aren't there. My math ain't good, but I can count to five. But today the math has changed. With the Gainesville seat now vacant, the Bristol campus applicant is trying to force this project through with just four votes instead of five. That would deny all residents, specifically those in the Gainesville district, fair and equal representation on our project with enormous county-wide impacts. Let's [06:53:37] be clear, this isn't just a Brentsville issue. Approving this data center without representation for the Gainesville District is a Prince William County issue. The Bristow campus site directly impracts the broad-run watershed. It would send hundreds of dump trucks through the Gainesville District, require new regional transmission infrastructure, and contribute to utility bills for everyone in the Prince William County. Out of fairness to all Prince William County residents, there are only two options here. Either the vote must be deferred until Gainesville District has [06:54:13] representation or everyone needs to vote no on this project. Anything less is an insult to Prince William County residents. So today we call on you, the Board of Supervisors. Do not allow stack developers to take advantage of a six or seven member board. Honor your constituents. Honor Supervisor Ware's legacy. Either vote no or defer this decision until every resident in Prince [06:54:41] William County has a voice at the table. Next speaker, please. Hello, I'm Gwen Myers. I'm from the Potomac District and Four Seasons. I stand with both Bristol and Four Seasons. The Bristol Campus DAO Center proposal is a project of enormous consequences, and yet the people most directly affected, the residents of Gainesville, do not currently have a voice at the table. To move [06:55:18] forward with a vote on the Bristol Campus, while that seat remains unfulfilled, would not only disenfranchised an entire district, it would also undermine the legitimacy of this board decision. Supervisors are responsible for carrying the voices of families whose homes, schools, and daily lives will be most affected by projects such as these. That is how representative government is supposed to work. Every district deserves its own votes. That's why this board is structured the way [06:55:52] it is. Gainesville residents have unique concerns about school, traffic, noise, and property values. Without their supervisors seated, they are silenced. Some may argue that delays create uncertainty, but this is not about an investor's timeline. This is about the democratic principle that residents must be represented in decisions that shape their daily lives. Rushing through a decision now create far greater uncertainty and deep, long-term public mistrust. Others will [06:56:28] claim that vacancies happen and government must continue. True, but rarely do vacancies overlap with projects of this size and impact. This isn't a minor zoning adjustment. This is a development that will fundamentally alter Western Prince William. That level of change demands full representation deferring action until game field seat is filled is a matter of democratic fairness transparency and trust rushing ahead now without full representation will cast a shadow over any approval and further erode confidence in this board decision making process it's a clear and [06:57:07] logical choice defer thank you all right next speaker please good evening i'm delton nichols And I'm here as president of the Hunters Ridge HOA, I request five minutes, please. [06:57:24] I'm from the Occoquan District, so Madam Chair and Board of County Supervisors. I urge you to either defer on the Bristol data center campus or vote no. [06:57:42] So let's take a minute to talk about, let's talk about water and electricity. So a large data center uses about 5 million gallons of water per day. I know the applicants said different, something like 87,000, but guess where I got that number from? [06:58:02] I didn't make it up. I got it from AI generated from a data center. So these data centers require an extreme amount of electricity to operate, consuming as much as 4,800 megawatt hours per day. [06:58:19] And you can guess where I got that from also. Okay, to put that into perspective, one of these large data centers consumes enough electricity to power roughly 1,400,000 homes per day. [06:58:35] Then there are the massive and unsightly power lines in substations. So that's why I classify data centers as waterholics and electroholics. [06:58:52] And we as a county need to put them on a 12-step program so we can transform them. So Prince William County does not have an unlimited amount of drinking water. [06:59:08] Data centers are still in precious drinking water, and no one seems to be tracking the rapid damage that that theft is doing. For example, for each person in the county that's on either county or city water, there is a meter that measures how much water you use, how many gallons, and you pay that rate based upon the amount of gallons in the sewage. [06:59:39] I'm not aware of any meters on a data center. And plus, we have not had a groundwater study done in this county in some time. So this massive amount of water the data centers require is unsustainable in this county's future. [06:59:57] In other words, they are draining us, literally draining us dry. So then there is the risk for help posed by these massive diesel backup generators in the event that the power is cut, excuse me, the electricity. [07:00:19] So let's move on and talk about our beloved Bob Waring, just the implications of tonight. So the residents of Gainesville are at ground zero when it comes to data center. [07:00:39] Do not, and they need representation. Other people have said that tonight. And I hope that you as the Board of County Supervisors do not vote on this without them having representation. [07:00:56] And, you know, think about Bob Warren, what he stood for, and as someone already said, you know that he was against this. He was not in favor of this. He ran on it. And others of you ran on it also. So there are many people are still grieving over his death, and probably some of you on the board of counter-supervisors. [07:01:19] And there are five stages of grief. First, denial, then anger, then bargaining, then depression, and finally, acceptance. And I'm here to tell you that the residents of the Gainesville District are not at the stage of acceptance. [07:01:38] They are not going to be at that stage of acceptance until November when they can vote and put a representative on the board to sit beside you and to represent you, them. Data centers have no place near residential communities, schools, parks, our precious and cherished memorial parks. [07:02:01] So I trust that you will have a conscience, that you will exercise respect for your colleague and our fellow resident and citizen. Exercise common sense, listen to the residents, and don't place the data center industry's interest above that of the people who elected you. [07:02:22] I implore you to do that. Thank you, and God bless each of you. All right, before our next speaker, I'm going to call up Karen Sheehan, Megan Zaner, Chet Moody, and Craig, let's see, Craig George, and Brent Burroughs. [07:02:53] All right, you may proceed, Ms. Hart. Mrs. Hart, you may proceed. Thank you. My name is Laura Harders, and I live in the Gainesville District. Regarding the Bristow campus rezoning application, you've just heard staff present about it, and they pointed out several weaknesses. [07:03:12] I'm just going to state it just to reiterate it. This is outside the overlay district, as I know you all are aware. Some other weaknesses and concerns were the extent of the building design commitment, the uncertainty of the layout for non-data center use, the environmental impact and uncertainty regarding transmission lines and substations. [07:03:37] So those are all valid concerns. I know you've heard multiple speakers say that this project has come before the board or was supposed to several times with the applicant deferring. So the optics of this at this point with, I see two seats vacant on the dais, but with Bob Weir's passing, especially it being such, I guess, a surprise for many of us. [07:04:02] But here we are. I'm asking that you please defer. And I'm not going to use up my full time, and I'm not going to sing. But I do want to point out something about Supervisor Bob Weir. Bob graduated from UVA in 1986. [07:04:22] That was the year I graduated kindergarten. But I actually went on to UVA as well. And he loved the University of Virginia. The honor code is something that really tied together the whole community of students. [07:04:37] And it's about trust and honor. On every paper that Bob wrote, every paper I wrote, I had to write out the honor code and stating that I had not lied, cheated, or stolen, but especially on that paper, I did not receive any unauthorized aid on this exam. [07:04:56] And the only reason I point that out is because Bob's honor and trust among the community, among you all as his fellow supervisors, was something that I think we all care about and admired. And when he multiple times had been a hard no regarding this project and knew why this was deferred by the applicant several times, it's just something I want to bring up. [07:05:21] So we remember, Bob, we're thankful for his service, and I ask you to please defer until the Gainesville seat is filled. Thank you very much. Next speaker, please. I'm not sure if I'm the next speaker or not. [07:05:40] You're the next speaker. Okay. My name is Karen Sheehan. I'm from the Gainesville District, and I request five minutes representing the Rose Hill Estates HOA. You know as well as I that not everyone who is concerned or opposed to projects sends in emails or speaks up or shows up. [07:06:14] But I know that you all have been getting a lot of feedback about the Bristow campus. Besides the fact that it is not representative of your responsibilities to proceed without all districts having a voice in the vote. [07:06:36] And this county and its residents can't absorb another data center complex, and this is the wrong thing to put in Bristow, an area of homes, schools, a historic battlefield, already saturated by approved data centers. [07:07:08] Looking at that map of where this would be slotted in is absolutely obscene, and our water will be at severe risk with this proposal, and the electric power grid is not prepared to absorb another data center complex, no matter what the applicant says. [07:07:39] I like looking and sharing facts. So what I'm going to focus on is all of the emails that you've received about the data center, Bristow Data Center Complex. [07:08:00] As in my role as director with the Coalition to Protect Prince William County, I can see all of the signatures that you get on the various petitions. [07:08:15] and you've had three petitions about this data center complex. In May, June of this year, there were 566 citizens who sent in an email. In June of 2025, there were 348 citizens of this county and outside the county, which I'll speak about, who sent in emails against the Bristow [07:08:50] data center complex. And now in August, September, you've received another 405 signatures. That totals 1,321 people taking the time to say they do not support this plan. Now, I've done the math, and I've looked at who signed up, and about 45% of the signatures are duplicative. So backing out [07:09:28] all the duplicated names that signed each and every petition, you still end up with 981 signatures. What's really interesting is outside of the Gainesville and Brentsville districts, which as we know are saturated already with approved data centers and taking out any duplicative [07:10:01] signatures, there were almost 200 people from across your districts who sent in emails, 198. So I'm speaking now to Supervisors Angry, Bodie, Bailey, and Franklin. In May, we had 127 signatures outside of Gainesville and Brentsville District. [07:10:35] 43 of them were from Woodbridge. 11 were from Dumfries, 3 from Lakewich, 2 from Montclair, a total of 127. [07:10:54] In June, we had Dumfries, Woodbridge, Manassas, Middleburg. In August, we had Potomac, Woodbridge, Dumfries, Montclair, Lake Ridge. It is simply irresponsible to push a yes vote on this complex or any other data center complex without all affected districts represented. [07:11:22] Your time is up. Next speaker. And I want to make sure that we have, because I see a few extra people standing up. If you're not standing to speak, I'm going to need you to sit. I have Megan Zaner, Chet Mandley, Craig George, Brent Burroughs. [07:11:42] and then i'm going to call up um lewis gonzalez so those are the people who are able to speak or who are can stand if you if i haven't called your name then we need you to sit all right you may go good evening madam chair jefferson supervisors my name is megan and i have the honor and pleasure of living in brentsville district which means this project is in my backyard this is the applicant's third no wait fourth bite bite or strike at the apple it's wild we're sitting here tonight having another conversation about this. Let's take a choose-your-own-adventure. To the south of these [07:12:18] facilities, you have an airport. The other way, you have a VRE. And the other way, you have a foreign lane highway. All of these modes of transportation emit toxins and contaminants, lead, carbon monoxide, just to say a few. Pick a direction and choose your toxins, I guess. [07:12:37] These data centers are still new phenomena. With all these toxins and contaminants, I hope we do not see an Aaron Brockovich story in our neighborhood. Why are we rushing everything? Let's measure twice and cut once. If eastern Prince William County is getting so many benefits from these, then why aren't we sharing the burden? Another point of contention is we're non-stop approving new housing developments right and left. Matter of fact, the next piece on the docket is 3,500 homes on Bent Hill, 3,500 homes of future potential taxpayers. Who's going to want [07:13:13] to move out here when they've leveled every tree to build a gray empty box hidden by Jurassic Park filled with endangered bats and fish? Also around with a jail cell fence around it. Hopefully there aren't any tombstones like the recently rezoned historical property down the road. Matter of fact, you proved not more than two years ago the leveling of the only outdoor recreation facility to put in this gigantic warehouse across the street. What is there for people to do when you've stripped everything for corporate interests and industry? The only thing that kids will have to [07:13:49] do is hang out and get psychosis with chat GPT. What a future. If I recall correctly, each of you have at some point contributed your work with youth? How would you think the use at Youth for Tomorrow is going to like living next to these jail fences? And speaking on that topic, what is going to be left for developers to build? When every lot is gutted for data centers, it's bonkers to me you're robbing tomorrow's potential for a new ash burn or today's quick thoughts of an [07:14:24] Industrial Center. With all these potential catastrophes, I hope that you all are strengthening your indemnification clauses or at least dusting off your throwback shaggy. Wasn't me. Let's honor our county's succession plans. Let's measure twice and cut once. The last thing I'll leave you with, is this dose really worth the poison? Thank you for your time. All right, next speaker, please. [07:14:53] My name is Chet Manley. I'm in Bristow. I actually live 5,000 feet from this proposed nightmare, so if you guys don't mind, I request five minutes, but if that's not, that's okay, I understand. Five minutes, just for everyone's awareness, is for people who are representatives or organizations that are recognized according to board rules. [07:15:15] Copy that. I stand before the board tonight absent one of my two representatives that I so willingly deserve as a tax-paying constituent. It is not beyond me or any one of us here that folks have made promises to constituents in eastern Prince William County that require tax funding that will come from these data centers. [07:15:31] It is a means to an end that will only cover what eastern PwC wants and not what the western portion would like. Worse, it's clear that western PwC is the sacrifice and will be crucified as a cash cow instead of spreading this nonsense out across the county. Why is it so many of the board members' jurisdictions do not have their own fair share of data centers in their neighborhoods? [07:15:49] It's weird, no? The number of mid and large data centers that have been approved, not including these two tonight that we're discussing, Dominion Power has stated will be the equivalency of over a million homes and growing daily. More homes than this board has approved for construction in western Prince William County since 2010. [07:16:08] Think about that for a second. In four years, this disaster has been speedballed without even thinking about alternative options. In my park and ride in Gainesville, it gives me a unique look at three data centers that have just recently gone up, each of which contains a hidden toxic measure that goes under the radar, as each has 36 diesel generators, each the size of two suburbans combined. [07:16:31] No joke. I got pictures. When Demean Energy can't provide the energy to these facilities, and they've told the state of Virginia multiple times that they literally can't, when these facilities get limited juice, us locals will suffer the joy of having 36 generators for each facility cranking up. [07:16:48] For the entirety of all the data centers in the immediate surrounding area of this proposal, that's 324 diesel generators running simultaneously. Aside from the preposterous noise, think about the ungodly amount of diesel exhaust and the pollution you will force the entirety of this area to inhale, live, play, and go to school in. [07:17:04] With the EPA weakening its Clean Air Act, it would be better to live next to 95 or 66 during rush hour than it would be to live next to this disaster. And on top of that, you have an airport right across the street. Every day, Cessna has come in and out of that facility, which, by the way, still uses toxic leaded av gas. [07:17:22] Think about that for a second. What do you think is going to happen to all the soil that gets turned up? It's been had leaded av gas in it for 50 years. That's great. Can't wait for my lungs to be breathing that in. Now, I'm not sure which one of you wants to cosplay as RFK Jr. and tell me that acetaminophen causes terrible development disorders, but I can tell you right now, every single peer-reviewed medical journal will tell you 100% that living in a massively polluted, toxic environment shortens lifespan, causes lung and heart disease, and would you know it, also causes developmental disorders in children. [07:17:50] Indeed, I mentioned there is an enormous amount of current, recently approved, and neighborhoods under current construction, both near and downwind of this abomination. also i'm glad the devs brought up water if uh i don't know they probably don't even live close to it but uh it's called the bristow bubble we don't get rain it's always in a drought just so yeah my boy tom's not in his head anyways i ask the board for the love of your own taxpaying fellow citizens that you deny the construction of societal and ecological nuke and if you so very much need to have these as tax dollars thank you your time is up across the county thank you next speaker please [07:18:25] hey how are you guys my name is craig george i'm in the uh akawan district and i've had the privilege of working on these data centers for the last 14 years and what I what has brought to my family I have four daughters that are all in Prince William County Schools you know I've got one that's looking at to design these these provide jobs that are good for us that you know I'm a county resident 14 years doing it and I look forward to retiring him it's clean work it's safe [07:19:00] work for us and it keeps me close to home where my I can be a part of my kids lives rather than going back and forth to dc every day i mean to to work in the city or safe rfk you know i i hear what everybody's saying to you but there is a positive in you would do it too because it allows me to you know my wife stays home and raises my four kids and i get to participate in everything because i get to work in these data centers close to home so consider that too thank you guys for [07:19:34] your time next speaker my name is brent boris and i'm a lifelong prince william county resident I live in the Occoquan District. As a member of IBEW Local 26, I support data center construction jobs closer to home. Data center jobs here in Prince William means cutting down my commute and spending more time at home with my family, less time in traffic, and instead of driving to Ashburn, Fredericksburg, or Culpeper, I can be 10 minutes from home. Local 26 believes in building community. These data center projects help guarantee the next generation of electricians, [07:20:13] like my son and his young friends coming from here in Prince William. In fact, he chose to apply and attend high school at Unity Reed in Manassas for their electrical program to prepare him for an opportunity in a career to hopefully keep him close to home. [07:20:30] These projects will help us bring in more apprentices to the trade, giving kids a pathway to six-figure careers with full benefits that their parents may not have even had. This line of work can be generational impacting. Prince William will continue to benefit greatly from the tax revenues these projects provide, continuing the progress made in our school system, paying our county workers well, and fully funding our first responder services. Thank you. [07:20:58] All right, before the next speaker, I want to call up my next round. I have Donna Gallant, Joseph Daly, Alexis Sanchez, and Jorge Melendez. If all of you can make your way to the back again, that is Donna Gallant, Joseph Daly, Alexis Sanchez, and Jorge Melendez. [07:21:20] All right, you may go. Good evening, everyone. Thank you for your time. And I know it's been long meeting for you guys. I'm living in the NASCO district. My name is Luis Gonzalez. I work for the IBW 26. So I'm a co-worker. We represent more than 13,000 members in the DMV area. [07:21:50] We have like 80% or 90% of the members work in the data centers right now between Ashburn and Prince William County. And also, we have a new group of apprentices that we have, like 600 members, new apprentices. [07:22:08] They start this year, first-year program. We have a five-year program apprenticeship. So, all apprentices, it doesn't matter what age they are, 80 and older, and the data centers provide work for those new members. Not only the apprentice, we have also another program we call the residential training program. [07:22:29] It's part of the commercial work, pretty much. That's all the data center work is, commercial. So all those members and more than 1,000 members living here in Prince William County, and then having the opportunity for them to work close from home, not only work from home, close from home, but they're able to spend more time with their family, the wife, the kid. [07:22:53] They have the opportunity to drive close If something happens, any emergency When we have a shower We have to be worried about How far we're going to be from home How far we're going to be from school In case something happens, an emergency happens We're going to be able to Drive it fast as we can So those data centers stay local That's going to help all the members Living in Prince William County Just to be close from the family And not only to commute I live in Prince William County for the past 20 years, and I have to commute every day. [07:23:33] I'm working in Maryland right now. So we have to commute from here in Prince William to Maryland or D.C. because we don't have a lot of work in the county. So I'm in favor for the data center, and I hope you guys vote in favor. [07:23:50] And I know it's a lot against persons, peoples, but if you see everybody have a phone, tablet, computer, even our school, My daughters in their senior year right now, they don't use a book no more. [07:24:06] They use a computer to do their homework. Where do you think those data go? They go to the data center. All the features, all the projects, they have to upload to the data center. So it's not like cloud. They call it cloud, but it's in the database. [07:24:23] So we have those data centers. Plus, for all, it's now here. We're going to be able to build them here in Prince William County. So it's going to help everybody. not only for the kids in the school, the teachers in the school, the whole community is going to get a benefit with that, but the tax revenue, we're going to lower our taxes for all the persons that have a property, so it's going to benefit with that. [07:24:46] Thank you so much, sir. Thank you. Thank you so much. Have a good night. You too. Donna is next. Come on down. It's me again. [07:25:02] Can I have my five minutes, please? You can indeed, ma'am. Pardon me? You can indeed. You are the best. Thank you. So it's been a while since I've been here to speak about data centers. And I just want to start off by, I saw something today on Facebook. [07:25:22] And it was a picture, it was by one of the supervisors, I won't call them out on here, but they'll know who I'm talking about, that there was a picture of the dais in this room and a picture of a house. And the tagline said, what happens here in Chambers affects us here, your house. [07:25:41] It's very true. What happens here affects every resident in this county. I'm living proof of the abomination that has occurred to my neighborhood and many of my residents and my neighbors and my friends in the Bristow District. [07:26:00] We have what I would call uncontrolled data centers. And I'm going to ask each member of the board, do you guys even know what's been approved, what's operational, what's approved not under construction, and what is under construction? [07:26:17] There are other counties that have a database that residents can see. Prince William has yet to create one. So now let's talk about the unions. I commend them from all coming in here and speaking. We all have families. [07:26:33] We all have children. We all want to be close to our house so that in an emergency we can be there for our children. We also have to worry about the quality of life for our children in the home environment and the outside environment for which they play and they grow and they flourish as young citizens. [07:26:55] So I'll share with you, since my last visit to the dais and in front of all of you, I've had the pleasure of dealing with the Mango Farms property. And I will tell you from the back of my property to the first data center that's under construction is 2,500 feet. [07:27:13] Every day where I used to enjoy my coffee every morning on my deck, I can no longer do that. the noxious smell from the diesel fumes wafting in the air into my neighborhood and onto my deck is putrid and disgusting. Now they're doing load testing. The noise, the noise permeates the walls. [07:27:38] The noise has created anxiety, higher blood pressure, lack of sleep. And it's not even operational yet. I can't wait till the second one is built. And then I can't wait till Hunter that surrounds my neighborhood and Devlin and all the other ones that each one of you have sat on this dais and approved with no regard for human life and quality of life. You listen to the unions. [07:28:06] The unions have no guarantee of work. And trust me, with the amount of data centers we have approved in this county, shoot, they got work for the next 20 years in building these things if they're lucky to get the contract. You all sit there and you listen, but you're not. [07:28:24] You hear us, but you're not listening. You need to listen. When I looked at the county's org chart, guess who sat at the very top where a CEO would sit at a company? Guess who sits in the top box? I bet you none of you know. [07:28:41] The residents. You all work for the residents and you represent the residents. First of all, in Prince William County, the western end of the county doesn't even have fair representation. The western end is made up of Coles, Brentsville, and Gainesville. Gainesville doesn't even have a representative today. [07:28:59] We shouldn't be even talking about the Bristow campus today. This applicant is trying to push it through. I feel like it's an Ann Wheeler lame duck 2.0 happening today, and that is despicable. You all are here to represent the will of the people. [07:29:17] You all were elected to protect the people of this county. But with a swap of a pen and a push of a button, you're arbitrarily approving things with no understanding of what your actions are doing to people. We have no protections to save our water. [07:29:37] We have no design standards for data centers. They're willy-nilly and they can come in and do what they want. They can have a closed loop and they can have an open loop cooling system. Open loop sucks the water like you would not believe. And guess what happens when they flush that water? Where does it go? Into our water supply with all the chemical contaminants. I hear they're sustainable. LED lights and a bike rack don't make them sustainable. Enough is enough. Bristow campus is outside the data center overlay. You guys didn't want to get rid of the overlay, [07:30:15] but now you want to go outside of it. There is no other vote on this project than a no. That would be acceptable. Enough is enough. Thank you very much. Next speaker, please. Hi, my name is Joe Daly. I live in the Brentsville District. I hear a lot of residents complaining for the four seasons, you know, and no disrespect to you, but this is about the Bristol campus, and this is what the board should be focused on, okay? I've been a longtime resident of Prince William County for 42 years. [07:30:49] There's other benefits to data centers than just the construction jobs. I heard a comment earlier tonight about professional jobs, okay? I just, my company just leased 22,000 square feet off of 66 that are full of engineers and network technicians and draftsmen, okay? [07:31:07] These data centers, yes, there's 500 people doing the construction of them, but they employ another 100 people that's got to service that data center. Technicians, engineers, okay? Are they a little unsightly when they're under construction? Yes. but then we build buffer zones around them okay the developers willing to pay for the buffer zone they're willing to pay for a park in it okay the power is there they're willing to pay 14 million dollars to bring the power underneath the road so the county residents don't see the power lines what are they going to build another another storage facility and bring the power lines [07:31:46] across and not have to put a buffer zone in okay these data centers they bring economic impact to the entire county, okay? They're construction workers. Yes, some of them live in Prince William County. Some drive down from Maryland. Some drive in from Pennsylvania, okay? But they stay in our hotels. They eat in our restaurants. They buy gas at our local gas stations, okay? Since YFT's been going, it's a 20-minute wait to get subs at Jersey Mike's. And I don't even think Jersey Mike's would be in business if it weren't for the data centers right now at the location they chose, okay? [07:32:27] There's a lot of benefits from data centers, and the county needs to look at the economic impact of the data centers, not only for Western Prince William County, Eastern Prince William County, the school systems, the police departments, the fire departments, right? [07:32:43] I urge you to vote yes, or I respect the wishes of the residents to defer to vote to the Gainesville resident comes back. But I would urge you to vote yes. Thank you. All right, next speaker, please. [07:33:03] Good evening, Chair and members of the board. My name is Alexis Sanchez. I'm a resident of Gainesville, proud member of Steam Fitter Local 602. I want to start by saying I jotted down a few notes because I get to get a bit nervous speaking in front of large crowds. [07:33:25] But I am here because I really believe that data centers are vital for our communities. They're the backbone of digital infrastructure, supporting local businesses, enabling connectivities, and really helping to drive our economy forward. [07:33:45] So even though I'm reading from a few notes, I want to share with you all why continuing to build and support Data Center is so important. They create jobs, they foster technological growth, and they keep us all connected in a world that runs on data. [07:34:05] I truly believe that by supporting these data centers, we're investing in our future. And not just about business, these data centers also serve our whole community. Everything from grocery stores, senior health centers, library, our school systems, child care centers, sports academies, law and order, our courts, and even police departments. [07:34:32] All these rely on strong digital infrastructure to operate smoothly. Thank you. All right, before the next speaker, I want to queue up a few more folks. I have Mary Riley, Vida Carroll, I am so sorry, Jalen Salor, Kathy Kulik, and Rena Stapp. [07:35:03] I know I'm butchering a few names. So before the next speaker, I want to call it Mary Riley, Vida Carroll, Jalen Salor, Kathy Kulik, Rena Stapp. [07:35:19] all right sir you may go speak good evening members of the board if anybody knows data centers it's me because i have worked in the data center i know what it is and i know how they operate and i know what it takes a data center to uh be safe i understand a lot of you uh residents are concerned [07:35:51] and this is a value point that you are concerned but what it makes you guys not believe in data center is the lack of research that you guys don't use don't do because if you happen to know a data center will use less water than what you guys use in your house every day you talk about water here and the uses of water and we're going to disappear a close loop let use less than water than what you totally use daily in your house so and when you talk about the noise now the new [07:36:29] equipments that we get in every day yeah all these developers are thinking about you they hearing you but they want to work with you they don't want to be making an enemy of the resident they want to help you they're giving you parts to so for you to enjoy they're giving you the technology so you can use your phones every single one in this room use a phone use a computer and that's the first thing you do as soon as you're done speaking you go and use your phone but data center is bad right no it's [07:37:07] not i've been a proud member of local 602 for 21 years half of that i spent it out of the prince william area the other half i've been here working for my county i don't have to go and travel to dc and all that traffic so for those guys and the board that support this project i thank you and for those that are still thinking about it, you are going to change lives. You're going to change [07:37:43] those young people's lives. They're going to work in our data center for years to come, and they're going to be able to give their families a dignity living, and they're going to be able to retire. Those people who are above 50, they're going to be able to retire with dignity. I appreciate and I bow to you guys for standing up for those less fortune that didn't have the opportunity that the union is giving to them. The residents that you think their data [07:38:15] centers are bad, please do your research. Don't just get your information from the media or from the newspaper. Do your research. Understand what a data center is. I was a foreman. I know what a data center is, and I can promise you they've got more rules than a lot of the developers building houses around here thank you very much for your time next speaker please mary riley uh gainesville [07:38:50] district um you know i don't have an issue with data centers per se it's where you put them and that's what this is all about it's not about whether data centers are bad or good it's about where you put them so i've already written my note my uh emails i was on all those things numbers we were rattling off um saying uh you know vote no defer i do ask you though but whatever you do do not abstain in some of the biggest decisions that are being made in this county when you abstain all that tells your public is that you really don't like this but you're under too much [07:39:28] pressure to vote yes and you don't want to do that so you just pull out and that's a yes that's the way it works that's what abstention is so you can't abstain you've got to listen to your heart and listen to your constituents and do what you know is the right thing to do even when you're getting pressure to do what is the wrong thing to do, according to your heart and according to your constituents. So enough of that piece. I'm going to talk to you about water, too. [07:40:00] Data centers require a lot of water. I know there's closed loop. I know there's open loop. There's lots of technology to do a variety of different things. But the fact is, right now, they require a lot of water. And approving this complex will just add to the long list of existing and approved data centers that will pull from the same supply. [07:40:22] Applicants tell us we don't pull from groundwater. Of course they do. They pull from public water system. The public water system pulls from the lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. The lakes, rivers, and reservoirs pull from the groundwater. They pull from the groundwater. Many, many residents and landowners in Prince William County are on wells. [07:40:41] When groundwater is pulled, wells go dry. If you're on the eastern end of this county, you may say, ah, not my problem. But it is your problem. First, as the wells go, so do the reservoirs. Number two, who's going to pay to bring public water to all of those properties with dry wells? [07:40:59] Hundreds of millions of dollars that it's going to take to do that. Is that going to be the county? Oh, with all the data center tax money that'll come in, they can now pay for everybody up on Bull Run Mountain to have public water. Oh, and the sewage that goes with it, too. [07:41:15] So the data centers, maybe the multi-billion dollar companies and conglomerates, certainly not the residents they did not move into the into the nuisance it was brought to them by the board of county supervisors and they did not create the nuisance it was created by the board of county supervisors thank you very much thank you so very much i'm going to hold i apologize i'm going to give us a recess because we do not currently have a quorum we have too many people missing so no i'm not um so i'm going to take a five minute recess i apologize for everyone please [07:41:50] remember your order we will read we will come back in five all right everyone if we can take a seat [07:42:27] inside if you want to be in the board chambers take a seat the people who are waiting to speak um vita carol are at the podium um jaylen so calori salori kathy kulik rena staff those were all the people who had called up and since let's see one two three four i can also put in let me squeeze in rachel ellis if you would like to come into the chambers all right with that you may proceed somebody left their sunglasses back here too by the way i gave them to the clerk um vita [07:43:03] carol brinceville um i've been watching everybody speak i think i was speaker number 33 and i mean there was only a handful of people actually from the brinceville district um a few others before me i live in brinceville i drive by this site at least four times a day um and i want to address all the people speaking in favor of this um we already have i think in already approved to be built about 70 million square feet of data centers in this county so i don't think you need to worry about your job security for this less than a half a million square foot data campus um and you know [07:43:41] i don't i i appreciate that you want secure jobs and quality of life and i too would like quality of life. I too would like my child driving down Noakesville Road not to have to fight dump truck traffic. And for the record, there is dump truck traffic from other of the stack sites going down Noakesville Road, turning onto Linton Hall. It's incredibly dangerous. This specific portion of Noakesville Road has been slammed with projects approved by this board. Bristow Crossing, Bristow plaza thomas farm there's the new um housing project on the plant nursery coming in bristow [07:44:19] point which is the new bristow village addition i mean honestly and and by the way the intersection right there nooksville road and linton hall road is one of the most unsafe intersections in this county it is incredibly there are accidents there every single day all the time there are accidents there they have to change the light cycles on there they are putting i think in the camera there it's one of the few intersections in the county where they're putting that in and there has been no study of this area this stretch of brintsville road this stretch of noakesville road in brintsville [07:44:55] which could be a hub for the community and i also appreciate parks and trails but i question the legality of this trails proffer and i also question that we're not going to end up with trails under power lines because yes the transmission lines coming in to feed the avanti site show two directions. One, swinging in behind Saybrook, coming down Broad Run Linear Park from the north end and crossing Broad Run. Or two, coming up Noakesville Road and coming up through Broad Run Linear Park and crossing into Avanti that way. Either way, Broad Run Linear Park will be affected by transmission lines, whether or not this project is approved. [07:45:34] The runoff into Broad Run will impact the Occoquan Reservoir, period. That has nothing to do with the consumption of water that the data center is using it has everything to do with runoff from this site it will impact our watershed it will impact all sides of this county it is refreshing to be at a public hearing where i think there has only been one resident from heritage hunt this is a bipartisan across the county issue this is not contained to gainesville anymore it's a damn shame you guys are voting on this without bob there and i mean there's another seat empty as [07:46:09] well we don't have representation tonight do better defer it deny it thanks so much next speaker please I don't know if I'm the next one but I'll be the next one how's that good evening madam chair members of board Catherine Kulik vice chair HOA round table I'd like to have five minutes don't [07:46:43] know if I'll use it all but it'd be really unusual for me not to um first of all uh thank you to all the other residents across the county four seasons and everyone I'm sorry somebody disparaged your right and your need to be here because you are needed residents across the county need to understand the data center industry and the impacts and they do and they are informed and they're here because they are informed not otherwise they have done their research and goodness god love the union folks i really support union folks and i love that they're out here [07:47:17] but the fact is they don't need to worry as vita said we are going to have two to three times the amount of data center development in this county that loudon county has no matter what you decide tonight their jobs are secure they really don't need they got to get up early why are they driving out here i don't know but the real piece de resistance on the comments that i just heard from one of the last union guys that because we have these we gotta have data centers now you all know you're all old enough sitting up there that you were using this long before the data center industry was a big deal okay it's not about this so i know they don't need to slip this one by you [07:47:55] but this isn't the reason. So regarding the presentation from the applicant tonight, I want to talk a little bit about some of that. First off, I heard the applicant's representative say that somewhere there's a standard for setbacks or distance from data center developments of a quarter mile to residential communities. Yes. The HOA Roundtable actually published a standards document two years ago and we set out a quarter mile standard long before we really understood [07:48:30] the impacts particularly of noise but you will also notice if you look in our standards document that we recommend 50 daytime 40 nighttime the applicant is proffering 60 daytime 55 nighttime that's the current noise ordinance the county right now has authorized it was directed back in 2022 early 2023 the board directed a group to be formed called the data center [07:49:07] ordinance advisory group i know you've heard about it i'm serve on it you're going to hear more about it and that was to look at serious issues with data center development and those issues right now are focused on noise. And this is a serious issue because it is becoming well recognized that data center noise is 24-7, tonal, low frequency. And it's really a problem at night because it's keeping people up who are living near data centers. They don't have to live adjacent to them. Data center noise has been heard as far away as four and a half miles. And when I say heard, [07:49:46] I mean heard and felt, happened in my own home, end of last year. That is something you can't unhear and you cannot unfeel. So this is a very serious issue. The DCOAG is deeply involved in this. [07:50:03] This is something that's going to come to you. And apparently the industry is not too happy about that because right now there are operating centers that can't meet the standards that the county's experts, some of the foremost experts in the country have set out standards for, and they're not going to be able to meet them. [07:50:22] This is a very serious issue. So when we bring that back to the Bristow campus project that you're considering tonight, consider the fact that this applicant hasn't even come close to proffering livable noise standards. And I think you should ask them when they come back up here to comment after public comment time for this hearing, how they're going to really handle that in a realistic way it does no good to do a pre-construction noise study and then a post study once they become even you know whether they could they finish constructing the building [07:51:00] or they go operational and they do the study if all they're proffering to is 60 daytime and 55 nighttime that's going to keep people up for miles at night and you have communities within a very close distance this project is too close to residential and the HOA roundtable is going to be coming out with new standards that are going to be at a minimum one-mile standard for residential. [07:51:25] There's a lot to be done with that, and we have a lot of concern in this particular county about so many residential communities so close to data center development, which is, by every definable standard, heavy industrial, by chemicals, by noise, by lighting, by viewshed. Please consider that [07:51:46] and vote no on this project thank you very much next speaker please hi i guess i'll wait a second i'm rena staff i live in brentsville i live right around the corner from where this bristow campus will be i have seen the construction that is already going on for the other things that are [07:52:26] being built right there and knowing that dump trucks are going to be going up and down 28 there's already traffic often at the end of the day it's going to get worse there's going to be rocks hitting everybody's cars. I've already had to drive through construction traffic. My husband has when he goes to Arlington every day for work. Yes, commuting is terrible. We all know this. [07:52:45] And we have had to have many fixes on the car because of the driving down 66 through all the construction. So I'm not very well aware of all the fun things that fall off trucks and hit your car. Also, I really am not a fan of the data centers being close to residents. I don't love them near schools. I don't love them near where we want to live and go, you know, go to Target, go to PetSmart, all the fun things right there. I don't want to have a big data center in between my shopping center and where I take my dog to go get my treats. It's not a good use of the land. [07:53:21] It is agricultural for a reason. We want trees. I've been living here since 2008. I was here before the Regal Cinema was built up in Gainesville. Some of the construction is great. It gives us movie theaters. It gives us grocery stores. [07:53:37] But we don't benefit from data centers. Our electric bill goes up. We have to deal with the noise. The data center that was built right next to Chris Young Elementary School is loud, is annoying. They had to pull the kids in from recess one day because the smell of the construction was so bad they thought there might've been a chemical leak. [07:53:56] It was a bad day. I am speaking for myself. I'm speaking for my neighbors that could not make it out this late at night on a Tuesday. I'm speaking for my friends that live near Chris Young. My kids go to T. Claywood and Marsteller. We all are near schools. [07:54:12] The kids are going to grow up, and I would like them to be able to see trees as they drive around, not just walls that are going to contain, allegedly, the view of the data centers. The noise will be there. The high-power transmission lines that are going to be running through our neighborhoods are going to be there. [07:54:31] This is not a good use of the space. It's a tiny spot that is not in the digital overlay. Leave it alone. If you want to have a little park there, instead of having them pay for it, let's put a park there. I would love another park. I would love the trail to be completed. [07:54:46] I would love for other things to be in this space, use the data center space that has already been allotted, and leave this as it is. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Good evening, Madam Chair and members of the board. [07:55:07] My name is Liz Glore, and I'm an Occoquan resident for 25 years, a proud member of Steamfitters Local 602, 30-plus years, and an instructor for Local 602 at the apprenticeship school located in Manassas. Over the course of my career, I have spent countless hours working in data centers across northern Virginia, as well as training the next generation of steamfitters in the advanced welding techniques that are required to build them. [07:55:35] Data centers are our true marvels of the modern age. They not only support the digital infrastructure we all rely on, but they also create hundreds of good-paying union jobs during construction, even more opportunities in service and maintenance once they are complete. [07:55:52] As a Prince William County resident, I have seen firsthand how these projects allow both myself and my students to work close to home, provide for our families, and achieve the American dream. For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to support both the rezoning and the special use permit for this project. [07:56:10] Thank you. All right, before our next speaker, I just want to make sure I call up Elena Schlossberg, David Pala, Greg Davies, Juan Bonilla, and Kyle McMillan. [07:56:31] You may speak. Rachel Ellis, Gainesville District. I'm asking you to vote no to Bristow Campus. Very simply put, it is outside the data center overlay. This board cannot continue to speak about the data center industry impacts, hold town halls with state delegates, talk about negative environmental impacts, sustainability, feigned concern over noise ordinance, without actually taking action. [07:57:01] Your words continue to be hollow if you do not step up and say no to Bristow campus. Four times now, the community has rallied to tell this board to say no to this application. STAC has continued to request a deferral because four of you kept your word in a 2023 campaign promise that you would vote no on this application. [07:57:22] Chair Jefferson, Supervisor Gordy, Supervisor Vega, and Supervisor Weir. Now we are here without Supervisor Weir. Without Gainesville District having a voice on a vote that will impact our district and the community as a whole. More truck traffic through Gainesville District as they haul dirt to Loudoun County. [07:57:40] More transmission lines taking residents' property through eminent domain. More financial impacts to Prince William County residents and residents across Virginia as we are all paying for infrastructure and increases to our electric bills. Supervisor Angry, Supervisor Bodie, Supervisor Bailey, and Supervisor Franklin. [07:58:00] I am asking one of you, or I guess tonight actually two of you, to vote no to honor Bob. Vote no to give Gainesville District a voice in what will impact our district. Vote no to tell the Brentsville District residents that you do hear them. [07:58:15] Vote no to say that residents' quality of life means something to you, even if they do not live in your district. Voting no is one of you boldly changing the direction of this county that seems to value developers over residents. Voting no shows that you understand that there are plenty of other upcoming data center applications within the overlay, which will be built. [07:58:35] And for once, you can actually use your vote to say, this does not belong here. My final words are for Stack, the applicant. For someone who very eagerly requested three deferrals, the last time for no reason, if you had an ounce of integrity or moral decency, you would have requested a deferral following the death of Supervisor Weir until after the special election. [07:58:59] This community knows this, and we see you. And since I have a little bit of extra time, I kind of want to just address the union workers. If this county built something else besides data centers, guess who still has a job? You guys, the union workers, and guess who else would have jobs? [07:59:16] People actually going into this business to work. Unlike a data center where that many people don't go in afterwards, my son drives 50 minutes to an hour every day to rest him because this county keeps building data centers and not other businesses. We should be inviting businesses that are a good community partner, that don't use obscene amounts of water or power, and is not capitalizing on the death of a current supervisor. [07:59:40] Thank you. Next speaker, please. I will need Elmo at some point. [08:00:04] I would like five minutes, please, Elena Schlossberg with a coalition. And I'm just for a moment going to channel Bob, okay? You know what Bob is doing right now, wherever his spirit is? Just like that. [08:00:20] He's sitting at his desk with his elbows, just like that, wondering, what are we doing? I'd like to start, first of all, by saying Prince William County has the most amazing people. And Supervisor Bailey, you must be so proud of your constituents. [08:00:39] They have done an amazing job doing the research, showing up, caring about their fellow citizens for Bristow, and I'm just really proud of them. And I don't think they realize they channeled Bob, who here heard health and welfare of the community and the code that went with it. [08:00:56] And also, arbitrary and capricious, Bob's spirit, Bob's spirit is still here. And the reason why I'm showing this is because I want to remind people who do do their research that every decision that you have made about data center development is impacting not just Prince William, not just Virginia, but the entire PJM grid network. And I'm going to read something to you. PJM recognizes that it's between a rock and a hard place where it potentially has more load coming onto the system than it can reliably serve. Silverman told me they're recognizing they [08:01:34] need to have a plan for rationing and allocating available capacity on the grid. Every data center development you all approve is having a broader impact to the entire pgm grid now we're going to go back in time for a moment who here remembers we can't raise your hand but when i stood at this podium and i warned you that if you approved village tech park it would need a transmission line and substation and here we are this is a result of your decision some of you who are still [08:02:08] on this board um i'm gonna have to disagree with vita um because actually i'm in the room with Dominant Energy. I'm tortured, generally about once every two months, to sit in these four-hour meetings with Dominant Energy as a stakeholder. See that map? That's about the Noakesville transmission line. Now, in a meeting, their representative said, depending on what happens with the Bristow Data Center campus will actually have an impact on that route. So the routes you are seeing is because they believe that you all are going to vote for [08:02:47] this campus no matter what but i don't believe that i believe you can make different decisions i believe you can make better decisions as far as these parks that stack so kindly uh donated to you all no supervisor gordy you're correct if you approve this campus there's a reason why in their proffers they told you that you must allow for utility and electric and electrical um transmission lines and it's because they know if you approve this campus they're going to need those trails and that park for that transmission line. [08:03:22] And how do I know this? Because Dominion told us. I just, I am not your enemy. The coalition is not your enemy. Your constituents are not your enemy. These people that spoke here tonight, we are all one Prince William. And I'm trying to impress upon you that it's up to you to make better, more informed decisions. [08:03:44] Please, respect Bob. I know he's not here. I know he can't hold you accountable. But I believe each and every one of you did really love Bob. because Bob was lovable, right? And if you respect Bob and you respect his ability to look at every 800 page, Supervisor Angry, he did that. And he would have told you this is a bad plan. I actually think you can deny it. I think you should deny it because Stack has behaved in a way that is [08:04:17] shameless. 22 minutes before Chair Jefferson gaveled in, they, with no explanation, had the audacity to defer. I think that you should send a message to data center developers. They can't treat you that way. They can't treat this community that way. And I can't even tell how much time I have left, so I'm going to presume that I must be almost out. But I have faith in you guys. I know people may think that's crazy, but I actually think you guys could deny it tonight, and that's what you should do. And you should send a strong message and do it tonight. And just thank you to [08:04:54] everybody who showed up. I'm just so proud to be a part of Prince William. Next speaker, please. David Palla, IBW Local 26. I reside in Fairfax County in Alexandria. Today I'm here once again representing the more than 13,000 members of IBW Local 26, over a thousand of which live here in Prince William County. My members are proud to live in Prince William County. They're happy with [08:05:29] all the progress that they've seen with the forward vision of the current board and the board before this one, and they want to continue to build on that. They want to live in communities where their schools are truly world-class, where they're funded at the highest levels, where their first responders are completely fully funded in case of an emergency, and where their roads are upkept to the highest standards. You know, I said it earlier today, my members are tired of going and building these data centers in Ashburn where the tax dollars are staying there, and you've made good [08:06:07] progress through diversifying your tax base. I know that was something that most of you ran on when you went for office. You wanted to find a way to relieve the tax burden on the citizens of Prince William County, and you've started to do that, but there's still more to be done. Right now in Northern Virginia, Prince William is still the lowest in per pupil spend on education. There's more that can be done. There's more ways to improve our education system, and we're also here to help you provide more pathways to the middle class i know our other members talked about it i know i talked about it earlier today but we have the largest apprenticeship in the country with over [08:06:47] 600 we're doubling the size here in prince william because of all these wonderful projects that bring tons of opportunity everyone talks about all of these you know concerns about the environment about the water about the noise most of which we knew know through all the studies are are unfounded right about the the diesel generators and the exhaust we know that those aren't aren't true measurable negative outcomes on these communities right you've heard this over and over again even in dozens of these right you've heard the same arguments and the same [08:07:24] people who are here saying the same things again project after project i mean have there been rolling brownouts from dominion have we run out of power i don't think so they say that they can provide the power that's their job they continue to do it think about it my members want to be able to live and work in the same county where they raise their families so please consider continuing with this project the bristow campus for stack so that more of my members can continue to live and work and spend more time with their families in prince william county and enjoy all the benefits [08:08:02] that it brings to our school system and to our county as a whole and the services that you have so greatly provided so far. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Good evening, Madam Chair, Board of Supervisors members. My name is Greg Davis, and I am a representative for Steam Fitters Local 602. I will not repeat what has been said all night by the fellow union members here at this meeting about the good paying jobs with good benefits, medical and pension. But I [08:08:40] will say this steam fairs local 602 is over 6 300 members over 200 of which live here in prince william county we have invested in prince william county because we know it to be a source of growth economic growth and uh growth in people we have uh built a brand new apprentice well we built a school in manassas virginia okay now that we're going to be able to expand upon our apprentices here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. [08:09:12] This year, we brought in over 400 apprentices, and we will continue to do so, providing these good-paying union jobs. These are a result of these data centers. Now, much of the information that you've heard repeated over and over again, some of which, as Dave just said, is unfounded. [08:09:31] Please be careful in the information that you look at. Some of it is based on old technology. Each year, data centers make themselves more efficient and more environmentally friendly. [08:09:52] Data is growing at an exponential rate. We need more data centers. It's a basic fact. Every picture we take, every phone call we make, every transaction we have, whether online or in a grocery store, is going through a data center. [08:10:13] Northern Virginia and Prince William County should be extremely proud of the fact that these data centers have made a home here in Prince William County. 75% of all Internet traffic throughout the world passes through Northern Virginia. [08:10:29] There's a reason why they build data centers here, for many reasons, one of which is the workforce for the construction and running these centers. So, again, I think Prince William County should be proud of these data centers being built here. [08:10:46] and I hope that you will vote in favor of the Bristow campus. Thank you. All right, thank you very much. I don't have anyone else, so I'm going to turn to Supervisor Bailey for our online speakers. Thank you, Madam Chair. Are we ready to start? First speaker. [08:11:04] Thank you. Ms. Grove, you may begin. Ms. Grove. Good evening, board members. This is Jessica Grove. I live in the Gainesville District, and I'm sorry, I have to get my thoughts together because I'm just absolutely flabbergasted by the union workers who just spoke. [08:11:32] Just how dare you, how dare you say don't listen to the lies and don't listen to the misinformation. There have been study upon study upon study with the JLARC study that was just done with so many. [08:11:53] Every single day there is a new piece of information, new information about how detrimental these are to communities that come. Oh, I'm sorry. Hello? These things are detrimental to the communities. [08:12:12] They are not only detrimental to our community here, they are detrimental to everybody in the PJM and Virginia and outside. This application is outside the data center overlay zone and is right on the Broad Run watershed. [08:12:30] It will lead to thousands of loads of dirt being hauled out onto Lynn Hall and Nooksville Road. It looks like Ms. Cameron shows the trucks will be running right through Gainesville. And I drive through there often, and I'm already dodging large rocks that have fallen into the roadway. Ms. Cameron also used a hypothetical use that would increase traffic, but the comparison is not apples to apples. [08:12:51] Why do we choose the lesser of two eagles? Who says that anything will be built there? Trees and forests do not require any extra traffic, and trees and forests are needed to balance out all the other damage this board has done. Also, data center traffic after it is built is a different number than while it is being built, which is another piece of information. [08:13:11] These data centers provide very few jobs to people who live in Prince William County. There is very little discussion about power generation. Power bills are going up, and land is being taken by eminent domain with every new project that demands this much power. [08:13:27] We've already seen our power bills gone up, and we are not done yet. I have said it before, and I will say it again. These decisions made here do not only affect nearby. They affect all the way to the power source and all the way throughout the entire PJM area. [08:13:43] Earlier tonight, I listened to Kenny Bodie ask about impervious surfaces for a project that was less than 10 acres. This was over 50 acres and is being added to other data centers in the sensitive broad run watershed. Why will all this impervious surface ruin broad run? [08:14:00] We heard from Bob many times that Prince William Water is very near to being undrinkable because of the salinity. So 10 acres is worth a concern, but a massive data center is not. Another speaker told us to do our research. How about this research? Data center developers are increasingly tapping into freshwater resources to quench the thirst of data centers, which is putting nearby communities at risk. [08:14:22] Large data centers can consume up to 5 million gallons per day, equivalent to the water usage of a town populated by 10,000 or 50,000 people. That's according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute. thank you thank you miss grove next speaker please our next speaker is anod desai mr desai um hello just a second um good evening supervisors i i respectfully ask that you oppose the rezoning of an agricultural area including trees and nursery along route 28 to become a data center [08:15:01] called bristow campus this area is a long stretch on the main road for my family's neighborhood new bristow village and many others along linton hall plus soon vent hill going into manassas the rest of the county, and into D.C. Nearby, the other side used to be golf and mini-golf, but now is a pod storage warehouse that looks like a data center minus the fence and generators. [08:15:22] In other words, we're facing what could be our collective front yards and main street into a hoarded basement and overflowing wire closet. While data centers are important for our broader economy, they need their wires and diesel generators, but not immediate with proximity to our arterial roads, schools, shopping, and homes. [08:15:38] Bringing them too close to neighborhoods disturbs our views. our hearing we just heard noise many decibels above standard and remember every 10 decibel step is 10 times the energy and they disturb our lungs they obstruct community building and commerce with commutes around sparsely populated warehouses and ultimately they stand to hurt the county's property values tax revenue potential for housing that isn't just affordable but appealing and practical plus we have more suitable areas zoned for them already and simmering uncertainty and distrust over aggressive and rushed approvals of others. Most conspicuously, the digital gateway [08:16:18] right next to Manasseh's battlefield. Reportedly, this Bristow campus would also bring or aggravate pressure for towering transmission lines along Route 28 as utility mandates follow power consumptions. I saw something like that on Central Avenue near the Beltway visiting Maryland last weekend. I took a picture and I made my zoom background. It's awful, and these could be even taller as bad as the data centers looming over once pretty little haymarket and going on for miles and miles do we really want every decision to go out to eat to get set up a business nearby [08:16:55] which will be even more important as federal employment and its physical ties to the area inevitably wane to enjoy a park or our decisions to hire a home improvement contractor for our houses to be tempered by knowing it'll be tied to a drive past that protect our communities and property values and sell your property your tax revenues lubricate our local economy much more than a percent or two difference to sales tax ever could and respect the right of Gainesville district whose supervisor passed away for representation in major decisions by rejecting this disruptive and region tainting data center proposal thank you for consideration thank you [08:17:35] Mr. Desai next speaker please speaker is Keith Snyder Mr. Snyder yes thank you thank you board thank you everybody for uh your attendances this evening and uh thank you for considering reality when i say virginia is for lovers virginia is not for pornography development which happens to be [08:18:10] pictures and videos that are inundating our system and growing exponentially all of the garbage that you're talking about filling our electrical grid weighing us down weighing down the spirit allowing people to kill themselves allowing people to go insane because of all the bullshit that's loading up these data centers i've been trying to be polite and diplomatic [08:18:48] you need to really assess what you're doing you're promoting the overdevelopment of pornography you got no guardrails you're flying balls to the wall and you're hitting walls going through them and acting like there's not a problem the world's at war people are killing themselves and you're worried about 50 data centers in the future jobs of electricians let's wake up i understand the promotion of unions i've been in them i've been in electrical unions i've been in steam fitters [08:19:28] unions i'm seeing the entire balance of the electrical grid faulting and dropping 60 six zero ten times six data centers in loudon county and prince william county because they're tripping offline you're overbooking flights electrically supply okay my logic is gone i gotta go vent thank you for listening to me every picture you take every message you send [08:20:02] Every pornography, AI video of celebrities that's created and stored and constantly being stored and stored, and you're not demanding them to be removed, is destroying your children's heart and spirit. [08:20:20] Virginia is for lovers. Stand your ground, people. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Schneider. Next speaker, please. Next speaker is Chris Grove. Mr. Grove? Mr. Grove? Mr. Grove, are you there? [08:20:45] What's the next speaker, please? Our next speaker is Ms. Ashley Sudholm. Ms. Sudholm, are you there? [08:21:01] I do think Chris just made it. Please proceed. Okay, I will continue that, and hopefully Chris will be able to get back on. Good evening, Chair Jefferson, Vice Chair Bailey, and members of the board. My name is Ashley Sudholm, Occoquan District and Executive Director of the Prince William Conservation Alliance. [08:21:22] Could I please have five minutes? Yes. At Pwca, we've always stood for smart growth, transparency, and processes that enforce environmental regulations and ensure residents have the opportunity to participate in decisions that shape the quality of their lives and the future of their communities. [08:21:46] With over 80 million square feet of data centers already approved, we have growing concerns about the cumulative impacts to the environment and our communities. This site is almost entirely wooded with mature hardwood forests along Broad Run. [08:22:03] It is outside the data center Opportunity Zone Overlay District, which ostensibly was created to guide this type of development. Are you just going to bail out or send them a text? The applicant is asking to rezone sensitive land with steep slopes and erodible soils near a stream that flows into the Occoquan Reservoir, a critical drinking water supply, especially for residents on the eastern end of the county. [08:22:30] This applicant's promise to preserve forests and wetlands and the perimeter buffer is undermined by proffers that still allow utilities and infrastructure in those areas unless stricter conditions are adopted. We recently launched our smart growth vision for Prince William County, the three R's of reaching our potential, reimagine, reinvest, and redevelop. We created this vision for several reasons and a few are especially relevant to this proposal. We're at a point in the county's development where we should prioritize protecting intact forests we still have. Rather [08:23:08] than continuing to build on forest and agricultural land, we have real opportunities to redevelop up areas that have already been disturbed. Too often when we talk about smart growth, the conversation is limited to walkable work, live, play communities. That's actually only a fraction of what smart growth is about. For example, our vision centers around protecting our drinking water sources. Recently in the news, there's been a lot of focus on how much [08:23:40] water data center consumes. But what concerns me here is impervious surface, which disconnects groundwater recharge. And for those that are on well water, that should concern you. And it increases the runoff. And so the runoff from this site ends up in the Occoquan. The dirtier the water is in the Occoquan, the more expensive it is to treat. And that's on top of any treatment that will be required for PFAS. The data is clear. A significant part of the water quality challenges [08:24:16] is coming from development expansion in the watershed, like what we're seeing on the western end of the county. This project continues the unsettling trend that adds non-point pollution sources into our reservoir. This county is more than just data centers and high-density development. [08:24:35] I was at the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge when a visitor from D.C. told me that they came here simply to just enjoy nature. What if we did more to incentivize that economy and not rely primarily on this one industry? Should this even continue to be a target industry with everything we know now? We are already seeing the cumulative impacts of rapid data center expansion associated with infrastructure and more impacts will likely become clear as time goes on. So far at the federal [08:25:11] level, development is being fast-tracked. At the state level, Virginia has yet to put meaningful guardrails in place. But at the local level, here, you have significant power. You are our guardrails. [08:25:28] Our land in Prince William is valuable, and not just to developers, but to people who want to live here, to start their businesses here, to shop here, to raise their families here, to study here, to escape into the outdoors here. [08:25:45] With the impacts from data centers mounting, do we really want to say that this project in this moment is the best we can do for the land, for the community, especially since so many residents still lack representation for our pocketbooks from growing energy costs? [08:26:05] And yes, because it's me, for the trees, let's let this one go. Please vote no. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Studholm. Next speaker, please. Our next speaker will be Chris Grove. Mr. Grove, are you there? [08:26:22] Good evening, board. I just want to say for the sake of all of us in, I'm sorry, Chris Grove, Gainesville District, for all of us in the Gainesville District, since we don't have a voice in this at the moment, just please defer this until we actually do and can take an honest vote on this. [08:26:49] Absent of that, I mean, stop approving these pleas and vote it down because at one point you're going to have to say no to this industry because there's plenty already planned for this county and it's destroying the western end of the county. [08:27:11] So, good night. Please defer. Absent that, please vote no. Thank you, Mr. Grove. Good night. Next speaker, please. All right, we have a final speaker, Chris Carroll. Thank you so much, Chris. Ms. Carroll. [08:27:30] Good evening, Chris Carroll, Brentsville District. I don't want to beat the dead horse here, but frankly, I'm confused. You are voting tonight on proffers for rezoning dated March 25th, 2025. Conditions for an SUP dated October 1st, 2024. Let that sink in for a minute. [08:27:48] If nothing has been changed on this project in almost a year, why did the applicant defer in June? Why did they defer in May? Why did they defer time after time after time? We all know why. If we want to be taken serious as a county, let's do our job, stand up for yourselves and the residents, and defer or deny this tonight. [08:28:07] The county does not need to move this forward tonight with no consideration for a full board, for the applicant chose time after time to not do the same and hold up their side of the deal. The fact of the matter is this site is not appropriate for data centers. It is not in the overlay. The applicant spoke tonight asking for sympathy on the fact that they need to spend $14 million to bore under Broad Run to lay distribution lines. [08:28:32] They should not be applauded for that. We should be asking, why does that need to be done? Because the site is not appropriate. The applicant spoke of their plan to take dump load after dump load after dump load of dirt all through our county, specifically the Gainesville District, with no regards to those citizens. [08:28:53] Did anyone on the board ask how many truckloads of dirt that will be on a daily basis? Did anyone ask who is going to be paying for the road remediation from all the damage? Did any one of you ask the Gainesville supervisor what they think of all this truck traffic impacting their district citizens? [08:29:11] The fact that we cannot get that input tonight is another reason why we should not be here tonight. And let's talk about the power lines, the one thing not shown in any of the viewshed pictures. There is a new transmission line route coming in Brentsville. Dominion has potential routes. Elena showed it tonight, and this Noakesville line has a couple potential routes. Two routes go through rural Noakesville and Brentsville, up 28, and cross into Avanti right through the acreage and parkland being deeded to the county in this project. [08:29:40] The third potential route goes up the gas line easement through Bristow and comes into Avanti from the other direction, crossing over Broad Run, I kid you not, five times in a matter of snaking through and following the stream, cutting through the Broad Run linear park, until we come in from Avanti from that side. [08:29:58] Have all of you reviewed this map from Dominion that Elena showed tonight? Have any of you asked if this line would be required if not for Bristow campus, as was alluded to? I want to end with this thought. At a recent Dominion meeting for one of the several projects in our district, a comment was made that the amount of power lines coming to Brentsville in our county is terrifying. [08:30:17] But you know the truly terrifying thing? That wasn't a comment from a citizen. That was a comment from a representative from Dominion. Please let that sink in as you consider how you might move forward tonight. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Carroll. Chris, thanks for your help tonight. [08:30:33] Madam Chair, back to you. All right, thank you so very much. That we had in-person, remote comments for the public hearing. I'm going to go ahead and close the public hearing for items 13B and 13C. The public hearing is now closed. [08:30:51] Does anyone on the dais, everyone's rushing back in. Does anyone have any questions for either staff or applicant? It does not look like anyone on the dais has any questions for county staff or the applicant. [08:31:09] With that, Mr. Gordy, would you like to make a motion? Madam Chair, would it be appropriate that since we've had these two come together, we just have this in one motion, or do we have two separate motions? Yes, I think we can, I believe we can do this in one motion, correct? Wait, hold on, Supervisor Franklin. [08:31:28] Okay, okay. Well, Madam Chair, first of all, thank you to everyone that came out. I'm really happy to see that this is the first time we've really seen a data center case. People from all over the county coming to speak on a data center case, which just demonstrates how much of an issue data centers are becoming for our community. [08:31:56] I would like to make a motion, Madam Chair, and then offer some comments. I move that we deny items 13A and 13B. Second. Wait, 13B and 13C. I'm sorry, 13B and 13C, yes. [08:32:14] And a second as well, Mark. Yes. I know I asked questions earlier about the transmission lines, but I was trying to get after the buffer issues. We've been repeatedly told that we can't talk about power as it relates to planning cases because it's not part of the consideration. [08:32:36] That's not why I'm moving to deny this. To me, and it's been said tonight, this is just the wrong place for a data center, very simply. And I'd like for us to think about the fact that Weldon Cooper has given us two bits of data over the past couple of weeks. [08:32:58] Number one, our county is going to grow by 200,000 people over the next 25 years. And we have 167,000 people who leave this county for a job in another locality every single day. I hear the IBEW folks. [08:33:15] I'm so happy that you get to work near your job. But data centers don't help other people work near their job. And with the data centers that we already have approved, you could start it with IBEW today and retire in 30 years still working in Prince William County on data centers. [08:33:35] So that's not a problem, and that has been said. I did love the comment that was said, we keep hitting the easy button. And let's just be honest, coming out of the 2000s, after all the sprawl of housing, there was a rush to stop housing. [08:33:53] So what did we do? We went after data centers. Well, now we've done that the wrong way, too. And now we're surrounded by these things within the Brentsville community. But in our last comprehensive plan, we did something different. We started what we talked about, activity centers. [08:34:11] Bristow is an activity center. It is a growing activity center. And it is literally my downtown for my family and for so many families, from Sudley Manor or even Devlin all the way down to the Brentsville Courthouse, even as far out as Calverton in Fauquier County. [08:34:31] This is our downtown. If we're going to find ways to support new jobs and new job creation and support the residential density that we're going to need to meet for 200,000 people growth, we've got to make sure our activity centers are focused on residential and economic opportunities. [08:34:51] And this data center does not provide for that economic opportunity. It actually hinders it. This is about looking out 25 years, about what's good and right for Prince William County, and this isn't it. We've got to stop hitting the easy button, and I am committed to working with the landowners on what we can do, because the Innovation District just had its first steering committee meeting today. [08:35:15] Things are coming. We just had a meeting tonight in closed session. Jobs are coming. There are businesses looking at us, but we've got to make space for them. But the data centers have eaten up Innovation Park, and so that's why we lose companies like AstraZeneca, when we could be having more jobs coming to this county because we keep hitting the easy button. [08:35:39] 20 years of stagnation for no vision in the Brentsville District, I can tell you, has left us where we are. Well, I'm in this seat now. I have a vision. And we're going to move forward in trying to figure out how do we solve this housing challenge, how we're going to create jobs in the Brentsville District so people can live and work here and not have to get on 66. [08:35:59] And we can create transit nodes so people can ride on a bus or microtransit to be able to get from Bristow to Innovation to the Manassas Mall and then be able to get on a bus to be able to go anywhere else or even on a train to go anywhere else in Northern Virginia. [08:36:16] That's how we have to start thinking. And I know everybody's not going to be happy with what we're doing. But this is what we have to do. We have to protect our activity centers. And Bristow is one of them. Bristow, Gainesville, and Sudley Corridor. [08:36:33] We must prioritize those for our future and keep the data centers out so we can meet the needs of our community. We can do this thing called placemaking so that our families actually enjoy where they live and we can create the businesses and the jobs that help support our families where they live and where they play so that's why i'm opposing this and i hope that my fellow colleagues will join me in voting yes for this denial all right my screen is down and i see people who are reaching for this i kind of hate to speak after [08:37:07] you tom but i'm going to go ahead and do it i've asked this question once before and it's to what end? I mean, to what end? Now, yes, data centers bring us revenue, and we certainly need that. But there is a clear opportunity cost. And I appreciate the people who are speaking about jobs that it brings, but what about jobs for the rest of us? We're losing other businesses. [08:37:32] And I want to address something that someone said, saying that all the stuff we're saying, that people are saying, the opponents are saying that it's misinformation. Don't listen to the media well there are real impacts that need to be addressed energy demands is a big one yes there are people there are businesses at innovation who have reported more power outages because of the increased energy demands i also want to address what rena said i think i saw you you're still here hi thank you when you were talking about kids going out to recess and they weren't able to [08:38:07] continue to play they had to come back inside no one wants that for their children or someone else's children. There is a real opportunity cost to them. And we have to address that because we haven't addressed that as of late. And to Mary Riley, I like what you said, it's not, you know, whether data centers are good or bad, it's where you put them. Guys, nope, sorry. I'm going to enforce the rules. There's still a lot of old technology that is in use. Maybe, yes, they're becoming more energy efficient or greener or whatever you want to call it, but there's still a lot of old [08:38:47] technology and use. And we have to be mindful of that. I'd like to see other projects come into our county. I'd really like to go after other industries. But in order to do that, we're going to start to have to say no. And data centers have driven up the price of land in this county. That's another thing that has to be addressed. I support unions. I support union jobs. But that doesn't mean I'm going to be a rubber stamp on every project. I have voted for more data centers than [08:39:23] I voted against. But it doesn't mean that I'm going to vote for every project that comes before me. I have already made my stance on this project known, and I plan to abide by it. I think that there are higher and better uses of the land. So I will be voting no. And I'm encouraging other of my colleagues to do so. I see people, I see Bodie, and then I'm going to go to Angry. [08:39:48] Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm just going to echo some of what was said and then go in a slightly different direction. But as people heard, I seconded the motion for denial, and I'm going explain why there is a lot of thought that went into this project i'm going to come at least take this opportunity to commend staff on all the work they've done commend stack and the applicant we're working with staff working with the district supervisor working through this entire process to get here where we have what's proposed for us is a much less impactful project than was originally uh proposed a few years ago however there's an opportunity cost with this piece of land just like [08:40:26] every piece of land in the county as was said before always looking to approve the highest and best use of the land that we have. And I don't think a data center in this particular parcel is the highest and best use to fit that definition. The land could have been placed in the data center overlay. A lot of land just north of here is. A lot of land that's being done by right right now is. So the fact that this is still planned industrial but not in the overlay tells me that something else is contemplated that might be industrial, might be light, might be some kind of employment there, but not a data center being prioritized there. That's number one. [08:41:05] Number two, we're talking about building design commitments. And we know that the data center industry likes to keep their designs broad and flexible based on what their end user is. However, the closer we get to homes, the farther we get out from these industrial cores, the more we should have certainty around what it's going to look like, how it's going to impact the community. We don't have that here, and that's in the staff report. Now, as Supervisor Gordy said, and a lot of people out there have concerns about impacts of transmission lines, electrical infrastructure, we can't right now factor that into our votes. That's been made [08:41:44] clear. However, we can still talk about how those impacts from this project may impact natural resources, waterways, trees, other natural resources that we know, if not done right, and the runoff is not done and mitigated properly, could impact the water supply. [08:42:05] This parcel, as was said before, sits in a very unique place between the Innovation Small Area Plan and the Bristow Activity Center. It's just right inside the Bristow Activity Center on the edge of the Innovation Small Area Plan. We have two major planning areas that are in our planning documents that are designed for this area. It's sandwiched between two shopping centers. There's a lot of community all around this area. To me, it would be a missed opportunity to put another data center there when there might be something else that could be placed there that actually helps community, helps employment, helps revitalize and uplift the community that [08:42:42] needs a lot more investment than just shopping centers and houses. So I think this is a way for us to comprehensively take a step back and look at what's possible. And I'm going to support in looking at what's possible. Last couple things here. Yes, we are charging right now the data center industry is a targeted industry. Now folks are aware I made a directive last year to change that. But we also know that we're charged within our economic development strategy to diversify our tax base, diversify our industries, which means that if we have an opportunity to bring some other [08:43:18] type of industry here or some other type of employer, we should at least explore that. And so So right now, I am in a place where I am going to be supporting Supervisor Gordy in finding the best opportunity in this area in his district. I would suggest a market study or some other financial study to go along with that to see what's viable, actually put something that can actually pencil out in that, and maybe we put together a package around incentives to see what we can do to put there. [08:43:45] I know it's been done in other parts. I know Fettler Park and Supervisor Bailey's district are looking at studies like that, and I think we should give this area a chance. So I will be voting in favor of the denial. Thank you, Madam Chair. All right. I just want to address something because someone texted my chief of staff. I'm sorry. [08:44:01] I'm tired. I forgot to give a rebuttal. I'm going to let people speak. Then if you want to come and say anything, Janelle or the staff, I will allow you to. So Supervisor Angry, do you have anything? I literally was going to say, I mean, I don't know how this process went, but you never even allowed. So would you like me to do that right now or would you like to speak? [08:44:19] I mean, we'll be out of motion in a second. They can still speak. Yeah, and I want to hear from planning about this activity zone, and maybe you can speak to that, too. My apologies. No, I am exhausted. [08:44:34] It's been a long day, but Janelle, if you would like to come up and speak in planning, if you have anything you'd like to say to rebut what we've heard. But it's here. [08:44:54] I can do it. I can be quick with my rebuttal since the motion was already made, but wanted to just hit, we heard about power stormwater management potential trucking routes and impacts to Gainesville and then just general comments so I will be very brief on my responses but as far specifically as power we do know for this specific site power is paid for and spoken for from the Avanti substation for stormwater management during construction we have specifically [08:45:30] proffered to double tiered systems for both erosion and sediment control during construction after for our permanent stormwater management the applicant is actually using a system that will result in water quality measures that exceed the county's minimum standard so they are already doing that as part of their proposal without it being proffered there were a lot of comments i think that pertain to trucking through Gainesville and potential concerns regarding the impacts to [08:46:06] the Gainesville residents. Specifically for this project, as you all remember, we did designate specific sites for this project and trucking routes. Those trucking routes actually do not go through any of the residential areas within Gainesville or Bristow, so it will go down 28 to 234 and jump on 66. And so that is part of our trucking routes to actually avoid the residential neighborhoods. The trucking routes will be submitted to the county and approved by the county as part of the permits. And then we heard a lot of comments regarding data centers in different areas of the county. And I think everybody knows, but when you look at a case, [08:46:45] you look at it on a case-by-case basis. And really this project, although it is outside of the data center overlay district and I think on some meetings with staff the owner explained that they had the opportunity to be included within the data center overlay district and they chose not to and they they respected the fact that it required a special use permit and the special use permit allows for staff to provide additional mitigation measures and what do those additional mitigation measures look like over what is usually provided for for data center applications um chair jefferson you have said you guys have seen a lot and a lot of those have been [08:47:23] rezonings but what did we do that sort of went above and beyond what we've seen in the rezoning and working with staff and some of those commitments those commitments included the park dedication the trail in line with the comp plan we limited the floor area ratio providing 40 percent minimum of open space and that would not be impacted by any of the potential transmission lines through the property. 25 acres of undisturbed open space. During the break we did have our [08:47:56] consultant check and would specifically be able to meet a 50-foot landscape buffer along Noakesville Road with or without a transmission line that runs across the frontage and that assumed that there was a hundred foot essentially transmission line easement across directly on the property so we still would be able to meet that 50 foot buffer. We did noise and sound studies which you all are aware of. We did those sustainability measures. There was a question that was asked could there be a greater commitment to purchasing carbon neutral or carbon free power and the applicant [08:48:35] was willing to do that to commit to 50 percent of the power designated to the site that's purchased would be carbon free. We talked about the underground power distribution. We've also proffered to interpretive signs. I talked to you about the enhanced erosion and sediment control and then the truck routing which also limits the hours for trucking on the site to mitigate any potential impacts to any of the neighbors and i did have a slide um chair jefferson because it was mentioned during um the motion you can let me know if you think it's appropriate or not for me [08:49:13] to bring it up but i do have a slide that sort of walks through specifically the activity center and the county designated specifically nine activity centers within the county they then listed an additional 11 that may be appropriate for additional studies and may be appropriate to have additional land use designated with those within the bristow activity center there's 528 acres 430 of those acres have already been developed or recently entitled or have existing [08:49:46] plans associated with those and while we recognize the activity center based on the topography of this site and the challenges associated with it is very difficult to develop other uses we looked at what would happen and what would the impacts be if it was a warehouse use or a light industrial use. And from those perspectives, the impact to actually hauling off dirt is 200, I think I mentioned it earlier, is 250% more. And so from what the owner has been able to see in the applicant, this is the highest and best use based on the development challenges of the site. [08:50:26] And then I think that answered all of the rebuttal for me. So thank you, Chair Jefferson, for allowing me that opportunity and again i apologize but since i have you up here we've deferred this three times but now it's moving forward on a day where we have someone who is on the day is because they passed and someone else who had to leave early so answer me why are we here today why wasn't this brought up before we deferred previously based on the amount of community input that we received we did substantial community outreach for this project we had four [08:51:05] community meetings we had two meetings and i have the exact dates where we had very little input or participation so sorry just give me one second to pull that data we had two meetings in march of 2024, we invited over 1,100 people. 25 people showed up. We had them on back-to-back days to give people flexibility and held them open house style. We then invited Regency Apartments as well to a meeting. We coordinated with their management company. Nobody showed up. We then had another [08:51:42] meeting and invited those 1,100 residents from the surrounding communities and still had very little participation so the number of emails honestly caught us by surprise and we wanted to go through them to make sure that we were not missing anything. The last time we asked for that deferral this board made it very clear that that would be the absolute last time that you all were willing to defer which is why we did not defer again. And I will say extraordinary circumstances have happened since then. I don't know does anyone else have any questions and if not we can go back around the horn. Everyone good? [08:52:19] I'm so sorry. Our screens are not working. Do you have any additional comments, Supervisor Bailey? I do. I do. I had three things that I wanted to say. Probably go to two since it's 12 a.m. But just thank you to the comments that the applicant and the county has made on the project and we did work really hard on, or Tom did worked very hard on this project, and I appreciate that, Supervisor Gordy. [08:52:52] I am, Ms. Lasford, very happy with my constituents showing up tonight, the green shirts, I call them so affectionately, and I have invited them back to show up whenever they want to come back because I'm not intimidated by that. [08:53:09] I welcome that, and they know that. But the reason why I said that is because it, as Ms. Cameron has said, each application is case by case. And sometimes we are led in our thinking if we're not educated. [08:53:26] We're led in our thinking that it all goes in together. But we are indeed one Prince William. One Prince William. We are. And so I just want to name that, as Madam Chair often says. I want to name that. But in terms of where we are with this project, I am going to be supporting Supervisor Gordy because I think there are opportunities where we have to look outside the box when it comes to a commercial tax base. [08:53:57] Commercial tax base comes from data centers, and I appreciate that, and I appreciate what is brought with that. But we need to grow. We need to grow in different ways, but we need to educate as we grow. [08:54:13] educate our community when we are educated. And so I just wanted to put that out there because I think those are some of the things that have not been said. And there are opportunities in Prince William County as we grow as a population and as a community that we just haven't looked at even since data centers have been in this community since the 90s. Since the 90s. And that's one of the things we need to be educated on. One of our wonderful residents mentioned about noise, and we need to be educated on that but it's an education it's not an intimidation it's a group [08:54:53] think one prince william so i just want to say that thank you madam chair for allowing me to say that because i think it needed to be said i appreciate it i um unfortunately our screens are still down so um andre can we do a roll call the motion is to deny so it was made by gordy oh [08:55:20] here we are and then seconded by bode the motion is to deny motion passes four to two supervisors angry and franklin voting nay all right no comments i'm ready okay so all right thank you so the next part we are now on to agenda item number 14 and that is public comment time she's going to go grab the sheet so if you want to leave you are feel free to do so thank you so [08:55:59] very much. It's a quarter to midnight. I'm impressed that I'm still awake. All right. So I'm going to [08:56:53] call everyone up in groups of five. Again, state your name in the magisterial district where you reside. If anyone's tired and wants to go home and doesn't want to speak, I'm just saying. I'm just [08:57:05] saying no. All right. I have Ona Bell, Wayne Bell, Carol Bell, Gwen Myers. Good evening. Again, my name [08:57:42] is Una Bell and I'm Four Seasons of Historic Virginia. I have no problem at all with data centers. The problem that I have is that they should not be a part of our community. Senior communities are sanctuaries of rest, reflection, and connection. They're built not just with accessibility in mind, but with emotional and environmental tranquility as a priority. The quiet streets and peaceful environments of Four Seasons of Historic Virginia are meant to be a [08:58:19] refuge, a place where older adults can enjoy their golden years in comfort. And that is the reason why we, and I believe every other senior, bought into Four Seasons. The placement of data centers in these spaces undermines that premise. We recognize that technology is advancing at a rapid pace. However, the proposal to place large-scale data centers in or near Four Seasons introduces a host of new problems, raising significant concerns and threatens to disrupt [08:58:53] our tranquility. While we get it that money is the most important thing to you, a closer look reveals that these facilities are a poor fit for communities like ours, which is built for rest and well-being. These facilities, designed to manage vast amounts of data, often require substantial energy resources and generate considerable noise and heat. Data centers are notorious for their water and energy consumption and their impact on local resources. And in communities where seniors [08:59:28] rely on consistent municipal services and infrastructure, such strain could lead to disruptions or increased costs. And in conjunction with the foregoing, data centers impact the quality of life in our community because it presents noise pollution and a diminished quality of life. [08:59:48] And the constant hum of machinery and cooling systems lead to increased stress levels among residents. There are also serious environmental concerns because data centers consume a significant amount of electricity, often sourced from non-renewable resources. The reliance on backup diesel generators for emergency power, which emit harmful pollutants, pose a direct threat to public health as well as the strain on local resources because our community may not have the infrastructure to support the heavy power demands of data centers. This could lead to outages or [09:00:26] reduced services for us. There are also security risks that should be considered because of increased traffic and potential cyber threats, all of which could put us at risk. The economic arguments for data centers are often misleading. [09:00:44] While they can generate substantial tax revenue during construction, they create very few permanent, high-paying jobs once operational. However... Thank you very much. I'm sorry. Next speaker. Well, I'm relinquishing my three minutes. No, we don't do that. [09:01:00] However... Okay, in the meantime. In the meantime, our taxes are getting sky high, and the sale values of our homes are getting ground low. I'm sorry, you're going to need to say your name in your Magisterial District, sir. My name is Wayne Bell. I live in Four Seasons. [09:01:19] How does that help us when our homes are getting grown low? How does that help us when we specifically choose to move to this community for quiet enjoyment on a standard of living that was promoted to be above the norm? [09:01:39] What happened? Is money the only thing you are interested in? It appears that way to us. The sacrifice of a quiet, healthy environment is a high price to pay for benefits that never truly materialize. So my question to you is this. [09:01:56] While we recognize that the data centers are essential for our modern technology, rather than placing them in our community, why not locate them in industrial zones where they can operate without negatively impacting residential life? That seems to be more beneficial because I believe that their replacement in our community is fraught with challenges that need to be addressed to protect our well-being. [09:02:23] It is not just misguided. It's morally indefensible. Our seniors deserve environments that promote health and tranquility, not ones that riddle with the byproducts of technology's excesses. Only by rejecting this encroachment can we safeguard the dignity and peace of Four Seasons' community. [09:02:46] The cloud may be infinite, but our commitment to humane living should be unwearing. I think that a data center is bad neighbor and does not belong in our community. In conclusion, data centers are industrial facilities that fundamentally clash with the needs of a senior community. [09:03:05] The constant noise of environment pollution and the strain on essential resources are direct assaults on the peace, health, and well-being that our neighborhood is designed to provide. [09:03:22] We must advocate for thoughtful, responsible zoning that protects our most vulnerable citizens and preserves the quality of life that they have worked so hard to achieve. It's a betrayal to our seniors' peace. Thank you. All right, I guess. [09:03:42] I'm going to call up our next set of speakers. Gwen Myers, Carl Costello, Rachel Ellis, Donna Gallant, Vida Carroll. [09:04:05] I appreciate you. Rachel Ellis, Gainesville District. [09:04:23] I'm going to make it quick and just say thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Gordy. Thank you, Chair Jefferson. Thank you, Supervisor Bode. Thank you, Supervisor Bailey, who is not here. thank you for standing up and saying prince william county is there's change and um thank you [09:04:40] for being bob tonight and saying no thank you vital carol brinsville um i also want to thank the board and i want to thank all the residents who came out to speak and send emails and i want [09:05:12] to say that, you know, my family spends a lot of time on this county and we have five small children and we love it here and we want them to love it here. And when I go to these meetings or when Chris has planning commission and is out at meetings, you know, we drive by the sites and we try to explain to our kids um you know dad's voting um about that project dad's learning about [09:05:49] that project mom's going to learn about this project and they're deciding our elected official mr tom is deciding um you know helping to vote and and they we miss a lot of bedtimes and the next morning i get always my boys i go into my boys rooms and get them up and they always say, what happened? Did you win? And I always say, well, you know, it's not winning and it's not [09:06:29] losing. And, but you know, and I try to explain it to them. Um, and they know this site because we drive past it four times a day and they know Broad Run Trail. And I feel proud that I can go home and tell my kids that the community did it and that the people we voted into office did it [09:07:00] and that it's not all for nothing that years and hours and bedtimes and time on the phone with people when I'm picking up my kids in car line um and I think I would like the board to remember that we're not working against you we will be your biggest advocates and your biggest [09:07:38] supporters and your biggest fans we will go to the wall for you if we believe in you so give us someone to believe give us what we saw tonight and we'll show up for you so i'm gonna go home you know you're not on my list not you i'm talking to the person behind you [09:08:05] just a second while you're getting that together miss madden do we have anyone online I just put little hearts around Bob and I because I just want you all to know that just thank you and very appreciative. [09:08:36] And obviously, I was very emotional because I'm sorry that Bob can't enjoy this, but the rest of the county can. And I just want to say from my heart and, you know, all I can hear is Bob going, okay, just one last Bob impression, okay? [09:08:53] Okay, just all be damned. Thank you. Thank you. I wanted to go over to Supervisor Bailey because I believe we have one person online. Oh, we do? Do we? Oh, well, how about that? [09:09:09] Chris, where are you? Oh, wonderful. Mr. Snyder, please. Mr. Snyder. Put some green on in appreciation for the situation. [09:09:36] Thank you. There are just so many facts that so many of us have realized along this path of development, of exponential growth of development of data centers here in Prince William County, that we saw our family next door in Loudoun County get run over. [09:10:02] we're seeing what's going on we can tell uh just by reading all of the headlines of the growth and understanding that the data centers have run us over already it's time to draw that line and you guys did it tonight and i just want to thank you so much for voting in the interest of the spirit being worth more than money because virginia truly is for lovers and we can draw the line here [09:10:35] and help these data centers content be more acceptable you've got so much illicit material now that's bog in our system now and it's it's tilting the grid i don't know where that gentleman got his information saying that there's no power issues going on there's a plethora and and some people do know the definition of the word plethora there's a plethora of situations that are not adding [09:11:06] up in the the electrical grid pauses that are taking place now in the grid development because somebody decided to say that wind generation doesn't work and somebody decided to say that china does not have wind farms this is the most absurd thing that the president of the administration 47 could be saying to people but there's so many people buying into it it's nuts And there's all these false understandings that people have that are running around. [09:11:43] And we've got the front lines on this data center development thing. We can ask for integrity. We can demand integrity. And we can perhaps listen to a blue governor this year, well, next year, who gets elected in November, theoretically, who would like to put a data center plan in for the state. [09:12:09] you've got electrical supply and development you got transmission development i mean these data center guys are ramming it down our throats thank you for making the decision that you made tonight and thank you everybody for standing up for virginia birds and bees and flowers and trees forever i love you thank you mr schneider you look great in that green have a good night thank you so much chris do we have anyone else we do not that was our final have a great night chris [09:12:43] motion to adjourn thank you second all right let's take a vote unanimous all right thank you everyone now you can have your outbursts as we're done ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Coraggio Consulting ยท aguyonx.com