BRISTOW, Va. — A controversial data center project in Prince William County could move forward or not depending on Tuesday’s election.
Tensions were high during an April 20 Prince William County Board of Supervisors meeting over a proposed data center project in Bristow, with supervisors trading accusations of "political moves" and points of order before adjourning.
Three substations would be built along existing high voltage transmission lines. The "Devlin Technology Park" site could hold 14 buildings near Linton Hall Road and Devlin Road.
Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair Ann Wheeler supports data centers. Wheeler is running for re-election against fellow Democrat Deshundra Jefferson who opposes data centers.
Wheeler’s Republican challenger for chair, Supervisor Jeanine Lawson, opposes data centers. Lawson’s opponent for the party nomination is a data center supporter, Kenneth Knarr.
WUSA9 asked Bristow voters whether stances on data centers were a deciding factor in their primary election vote.
"I would say about 95%," said Richard Arnold.
Voter Bobby Irons expressed his opposition to data centers explaining, "Mostly the traffic it would probably bring to the area. We also like the privacy with the woods in the back of our house as opposed to it being torn down."
Chris Wilmot said he'd vote for candidates not based on data centers and expressed support for the projects, "For me it’s not too important. They are big businesses, but they bring tax revenue to the area."
Devlin Technology Park’s developer told county supervisors its proposal is on “indefinite hold.” Its attorney did not respond to our request to know if it plans to resubmit its proposal depending on the results of the election. But that is how some on the county board see it, highlighting the stakes of this election.
"The applicant has no plans and made it clear to me that he doesn’t plan to bring this case until after the election," said Supervisor Lawson.