Planning Commission 10/11/2023 - Oct 11, 2023
meeting
Prince William County Planning Commission
1h 34m
2 speakers
8 agenda items
transcribed 7 days ago
official recording ↗
Transcript
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Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.
What is the purpose of the opening remarks and data‑center buffer discussion?
Uh good evening commissioners. I am Leela Bartruff from Gainesville District. And uh it's one thing to look at a plan on paper and another thing to see it in real life. So here are two things that I've learned from the data centers that are currently under construction in Gainesville. Number one, the importance of forested buffers. The Village Place Technology Park on 55 across from Tyler Elementary has a fifty foot buffer in the plan. But that lot was clear-cut and the buffer won't be functional for years. It still needs to be planted. I hate the village place data center. I do not want more data centers built like that. But I don't feel that way about Gainesville Crossing, the one between twenty nine and sixty-six, because they kept the existing trees in their buffer.
And that one change made all the difference. I appreciate that the construction and buildings are shielded from view. I appreciate that buffer and that it has always been functional. We didn't have to wait until after construction for it to exist. Replacing the buffers entries is not nearly as good as keeping what is already there. The current plans for the digital gateway include even more buffer than the Gainesville Crossing, even more retention of existing trees. This is so incredibly important. Thank you for that. Number two, protecting our parks and community areas. Data center buildings are huge and they are nothing enjoyable to look at. They don't belong next to our homes and schools and village place completely failed in that.
It shouldn't be there. Gainesville Crossing did better. It's farther away from our homes and schools. The view shed studies that were done for Gainesville Crossing to protect the views from the battlefield worked. I can see the cranes constructing it from the battlefield, but I don't see the buildings. The digital gateway is a good plan because it isn't close to our schools and homes. It includes studies to protect the battlefield views, and we know those work. It includes design requirements to make the buildings less visible. This is the right path. This is what our data centers should be like. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for listening to the community and for learning from the data centers we've already built.
The Digital Gateway is by far the best plan for a data center I've ever seen. It addresses the public concerns, my concerns, and works to create a campus that enriches both the county and the local community. I approve the digital gateway and I hope you will too. Thank you.
Thank you. Is anyone signed up uh online?
Okay,
Madam
Chair? Thank you very much. Uh with that the public hearing is now open. Uh Mr. Venegas, do we have any items for expedited agenda this evening? Uh we do have one request um for the special use permit Grace Church LED, uh but we do have a speaker that's here uh that uh opposes the project. Um so we're recommending to do an expedited uh version of our presentation. Thank you. And any items for deferral or continuation? There are no items for deferral or continuation. Thank you very much. We'll move forward to item nine A. Uh special special use permit, uh Grace Church LED sign. Miss Cameron, it's good to see you this evening.
Nice to see you as well. Good evening for the record. My name is Joanelle Cameron with Walsh Calucci, Lubali, and Walsh. I am here tonight on behalf of the applicant Grace Church. With me tonight is Bishop Greer, some of the trustees and members of the church. We are the only item on the agenda tonight, so to avoid having everybody that's in support speak, I would briefly like to ask everybody that isn't Support to stand up. Thank you. As you all are aware, Grace Church is seeking a special use permit for an LED sign. It's okay. It was uh I didn't press the wrong button this time. Thank you. Thank you. Grace Church is located at the intersection of Ban Buren and Route two thirty-four. The property is a little less than an eleven a little less than eleven and a half acres in size.
The church officially opened its doors in September 2022.
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Agenda
8 items
1
What is the purpose of the opening remarks and data‑center buffer discussion?
0:00–15:04
2
How does the Grace Church LED sign proposal address design, safety, and community impact?
15:04–28:51
3
What concerns were raised about the timing and logistics of the public hearing?
28:51–41:47
4
How did commissioners debate whether to hold the three cases on one night or separate days?
41:47–54:54
5
What suggestions were made to improve public participation and scheduling flexibility?
54:54–1:07:30
6
What new business items and procedural motions were considered toward the end of the meeting?
1:07:30–1:21:49
7
How did the commission address staff updates, work sessions, and advisory groups?
1:21:49–1:31:56
8
What were the final motions and the outcome of the adjournment vote?
1:31:56–1:34:28
Speakers
2 identifiedOfficials recognised by voice; public commenters shown as “Speaker N” unless they state their name.