Prince William County supervisors just delivered a major blow to another massive data center project. On July 7, 2026, the Board unanimously rejected the Dulles South Innovation Center in Gainesville — a proposed 43-million-square-foot industrial data center campus. This comes days after the long-fought Prince William Digital Gateway near the Manassas National Battlefield was also defeated.

In this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, Uriah Kiser breaks down what these rejections mean for Northern Virginia residents facing skyrocketing utility costs, traffic, water usage, and loss of rural character. County staff cited infrastructure failures, environmental impacts, and incompatibility with agricultural and hamlet areas. Residents spoke out against noise, pollution, and data centers backing directly onto homes.

We also cover rising concerns in Stafford County, where Supervisor Crystal Vanuch is sounding the alarm over the potential return of the BPOL business gross receipts tax. This old tax hits businesses on revenue — not profits — and could crush small local shops, restaurants, and mom-and-pop operations at a time when homeowners are already struggling with big property tax hikes.

Are Virginia localities finally pushing back against unchecked data center growth? Or will the pressure from big tech return? Uriah discusses the statewide implications for jobs, power bills, and quality of life across the Commonwealth.

If you're a Virginia voter or resident dealing with these issues, this is must-watch coverage.

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💬 Comment: Should data centers be restricted near homes and battlefields? What’s your take on the BPOL tax?

Sources:

https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/07/08/concerns-mount-as-stafford-eyes-return-of-bpol-business-tax/

https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/07/08/concerns-mount-as-stafford-eyes-return-of-bpol-business-tax/

Pam shares the heartfelt story behind the business — a tribute to her late mother and a full-circle journey from upstate New York back to her Virginia roots.

📍 Location: 107 Carter Street, Falmouth, VA

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Hey Northern Virginia, happy belated 4th of July! While many celebrated America's 250th, a new data center battle is heating up right here in Prince William County. Tomorrow, July 7, supervisors will decide on a massive 1,940-acre proposal that could transform rural Gainesville into a giant data center campus.

The Dulles South Innovation Center by Sanders Lane Assemblage seeks to rezone 252 parcels from agricultural to mixed-use, paving the way for up to 443 million square feet of data centers, a new substation, thousands of trips, and major infrastructure demands. County planning staff strongly recommends denial, citing infrastructure shortfalls, environmental damage, tree loss, and conflicts with rural character.

This comes right after the QTS Digital Gateway project near Manassas National Battlefield collapsed—Compass pulled out earlier, and QTS withdrew its Supreme Court appeal on July 4. Residents successfully challenged improper notification of the 2022 comprehensive plan changes that opened the rural crescent to development.

Uriah Kiser breaks it all down: the history of water/sewer expansion into rural areas, ongoing data center growth spilling from Loudoun County, and what this means for traffic, environment, and local character in western Prince William. Plus, a press conference and rally is set for 1 p.m. outside the McCourt Building in Woodbridge before the 2 p.m. hearing.

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In this Manassas Monday edition of the Potomac Local Podcast, host Uriah Kiser sits down with Manassas City Council member Lynn Forkell Greene to discuss the future of the historic Manassas Church of the Brethren. The church, a community staple since 1895, is weighing a massive purchase offer from a data center developer already buying up nearby properties.

The conversation dives deep into local concerns: over-concentration of data centers straining aging infrastructure, frequent power outages (often blamed on squirrels but tied to broader grid pressure), and the need for stronger oversight. Forkell Greene shares resident frustration, pushes for a dedicated data center policy with public input, and discusses the push for Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) to ensure community voices are heard before more industrial development.

They also cover the church's potential relocation to its Cannon Branch property near the Landing and the broader debate over by-right industrial zoning in Manassas. The episode wraps with lighter talk on Manassas' standout July 4th celebrations versus DC's later fireworks start.

Uriah Kiser is the founder and publisher of Potomac Local News. Lynn Forkel Greene is running to reclaim a seat on the Manassas City Council.

Manassas City Council.

Watch to hear both sides of this important local story affecting Manassas families, infrastructure, and community character.

Like, comment, and subscribe for more Manassas Monday episodes and local news you can trust. Turn on notifications so you never miss an update from Potomac Local.

Article Source:

Historic Manassas Church weighs sale offer from data centers - https://www.princewilliamtimes.com/localnews/historic-manassas-church-weighs-sale-offer-from-data-centers/article_449200b6-1594-45cc-a060-486237969160.html

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Former Fredericksburg City Councilman Matt Kelly joins the Potomac Local Podcast to break down the city's controversial plans for the historic Renwick Courthouse complex on Princess Anne Street. This 19th-century landmark—home to the old courthouse, jail, and Wallace Library—has been central to Fredericksburg for generations and is now at the center of debates over adaptive reuse, public-private partnerships, and preservation.

Kelly, who served on the working group exploring options for the site, raises serious questions about City Manager Tim Baruti's approach, the $20 million valuation thrown out at council, and whether staff is setting up a public-private partnership for failure to justify selling the property outright. The discussion covers decades of studies, community pushback for maintaining public use, past investments by taxpayers, and comparisons to other local adaptive reuse projects like the old Mary Washington Hospital site.

From boutique hotel proposals to concerns about losing Virginia's historic public building legacy, this conversation dives into broader issues facing Fredericksburg: housing density, affordability realities in the National Capital Region, tax policies, and the future character of the city. Kelly shares insights on entertainment venue potential, preservation tax credits, and why the public deserves a stronger voice.

Uriah Kiser, founder and publisher of Potomac Local News, unpacks the facts with straight talk and no corporate spin. If you care about historic preservation, transparent government, and Virginia's local communities, this is essential listening.

What should happen with the Renwick Courthouse? Drop your thoughts in the comments—should it stay public, become a mixed-use cultural hub, or go private? Like, subscribe, and hit notifications so you never miss Virginia statewide news and commentary.

Timestamps available in chapters. Full coverage and newsletter at PotomacLocal.com.

Park City Dreamers CEO Jeremy Coleman on Semi-Pro Basketball in Prince William

In this episode of the Potomac Local Podcast, Uriah Kiser sits down with Jeremy Coleman, CEO of the Park City Dreamers — a men's minor league professional basketball franchise right here in Prince William County.

Jeremy shares how the Dreamers provide local talent (including Potomac High School state champions) a professional platform, playoff experiences, and — most importantly — real community impact and career pathways beyond the court. From data center job connections and entrepreneurship support through the Prince William Chamber of Commerce to electric game-night atmospheres at Potomac High School and Unity Reed, this conversation highlights what it means to build something positive in our community.

They discuss the East Coast Basketball League, unforgettable playoff trips, courtside stories (including a mayor getting knocked over by a 6'9" player), and how the Dreamers are creating role models who are recognized for doing good.

Tune in for an inspiring look at local sports, mentorship, and turning basketball dreams into lasting success.

✅ Follow the Park City Dreamers:

Website: www.parkcitydreamers.com

Facebook & Instagram: @ParkCityDreamers

Like, subscribe, and share if you love stories about local athletes and community builders! New episodes drop regularly — never miss local news and conversations that matter.

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Fredericksburg Regional Alliance has officially rebranded as Virginia’s Innovation Crossroads (VIC). In this exclusive Potomac Local News podcast interview, President Tom Scott explains the new regional brand, targeted industries, and why the greater Fredericksburg area is “Built for What’s Next.”

Tom Scott discusses:

• Why the region is rebranding now

• Targeted sectors: aerospace/defense, life sciences, cybersecurity, AI, advanced manufacturing

• How the area differentiates from Northern Virginia

• Housing, talent retention, and regional collaboration

• Opportunities for local graduates and businesses

The organization serves the City of Fredericksburg and Caroline, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties.

Learn more:

🔗 Website: https://www.vaicx.com

🔗 Virginia’s Innovation Crossroads on LinkedIn: Search "Virginia’s Innovation Crossroads"

Subscribe to Potomac Local News for more interviews with local leaders, government coverage, and business news in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Prince William, and beyond.

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