PWC planners want to hear from community on Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District Jan. 20

The Prince William County Planning Office has issued a news release saying it plans to host “an in-person community meeting” on the Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District Comprehensive Review on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at the Beacon Hall Conference Center on the George Mason University SciTech Campus in Manassas.

The news release went on to say that, “Remote participation methods are being developed.”

The open house with County agencies will begin at 6:30 PM and will be followed by public comment time after 7:00 PM. The news release said there will be “no formal staff presentation at this event. Draft policies and draft maps for the overlay have not been developed.”

“This will be an opportunity for the public to provide comments prior to the development of draft policies for the district. Additional information about the meeting, including registration instructions for in-person attendance and remote comment, will be provided on the project web page soon, according to the news release.

To register go to project page http://www.pwcva.gov/datacenteroverlay

This meeting is structured as an open house with the project team and other agencies followed by public comment time to start at 7 pm. This will be an opportunity for the public to provide in-person and virtual comment prior to the development of draft policies for the overlay. There will be no formal staff presentation at this event.

Public Comment

To allow the maximum number of speakers in the time allotted, speakers are encouraged to limit comments to 2 minutes per speaker. To register to speak in-person or virtually, please click HERE and indicate whether you intend to speak in-person or remotely. (Note: Signup closes at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2022.) (Time-permitting, additional in-person comments may be allowed at the event).

Live Streaming

This event will be live streamed and recorded. A link to watch the event will be posted on the project page.

COVID-19 Protocols for In-Person Attendance

As part of George Mason’s guidelines, measures will be exercised to prevent the spreading of COVID-19. Prior to registering, please be aware and agree to comply with the following COVID-19 protocols:

• Registration is required, so the event space is not over capacity. The number of free tickets for this event is “limited” but the number available was not stated in the news release. Register for in-person attendance through Eventbrite.

• A mask is required in the event space for all attendees.

• Attendees are required to complete a “Mason COVID Health Check” prior to attending the event.

The release stated. “An account with George Mason is required and is free to set up. It is recommended that attendees create their accounts in advance of the meeting to ensure there are no technical issues.”