PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — A Prince William County board member is stepping down this week. Supervisor Pete Candland is a Republican representing Gainesville.
Candland recently recused himself from votes on the controversial Prince William County Digital Gateway data centers project because he and his wife agreed to sell their home to company involved in the project.
Candland announced his resignation on Facebook. In the post, he said he consulted with the Commonwealth's Attorney Amy Ashworth to avoid conflicts on interest on the Digital Gateway project.
He said in the opinion of the Commonwealth Attorney, he can't vote on any comprehensive plan or any data center issues.
"Nearly a month after making the initial request for a second opinion, I received her opinion late yesterday. And the limitations on my ability to perform as Supervisor have become severely more restrictive," Candland wrote on Facebook.
Last month, the Prince William County Board voted 5-2 in favor of the PW Digital Gateway.
The proposed plan would transform more than 2,139 acres of land along Pageland Lane to fit 27 million square feet of data centers. There have been numerous rallies and much controversy with public comments from people who approve of the plan, as well as those who don't want it.
Prince William County Planning Manager Stephen Gardner told WUSA9 in November there is still more to be done.
Gardner said three separate zoning applications are currently being processed. There is no definitive date for when they'll be completed, and the process could take months.
He told WUSA9 there are two more hearings, and then a final vote.
Candland's resignation takes effect on Dec. 16.