Size: The 2022 Comprehensive Plan Amendment covered about 2,100 acres, including proposed parkland. The park areas were dropped before the December 2023 rezonings, which covered about 1,760 acres.
Court ruling: The Virginia Court of Appeals consolidated the Oak Valley Homeowners Association case and the case brought by Catharpin-area residents and the American Battlefield Trust. On March 31, 2026, it ruled all three Digital Gateway rezonings void. The Coalition worked alongside the American Battlefield Trust and local residents in the case, and also joined an amicus brief with other conservation groups (American Battlefield Trust; Virginia Lawyers Weekly).
What happens next: After the Virginia Court of Appeals order of July 29, 2026, the county says the Board’s rezoning approvals are void and the land has reverted to its prior zoning, while the Comprehensive Plan Amendment remains in place; any new rezoning would have to start over with public hearings (county status page). The future of the land, including the Compass Datacenters portion, is undecided. Supervisor George Stewart has proposed a Gainesville District Heritage Tourism & Recreation Small Area Plan (Board agenda, Oct. 20, 2026) that would prioritize preservation.
Lawsuit history (as published on protectpwc.org, entries through 8/22/25)
In December 2023, the Coalition to Protect PWC took moves to file a lawsuit against Prince William County after challenging the BOCS to defer the 12/12/23 Digital Gateway rezoning applications hearings. This was following notice violations for scheduling those hearings, along with other noted issues. See details below.
(Oak Valley also filed suit against the Digital Gateway rezoning and CPA.)
(Please also see News Coverage and Public Letters for coverage on this topic)
Digitial Gateway Illustration on Google Maps | PEC | Flickr
Reverse chronological history:
8/22/25: QTS (Stinson – GW Acquisition) Memo in Support of County Motion to Stay QTS Tucci-2025.08.22-GWA-Cover-letter-and-Memorandum-in-Support-of-the-Board-of-County-Supervisors-Motion-to-Stay.pdf
8/15/25: BOCS Motion to Stay Oak Valley rezoning Judgement Pending Appeal and Suspend Aug. 7 Order: PWC BOCS Memo in Support of PWDG Developers Motion – and County Motion to Stay and Suspend(8-15-25)
8/13/25 Motion to Clarify Irving Oak Valley Digital Gateway rezoning Judgement by QTS and Compass Motion to Clarify-Modify Final Order on Count I QTS-Compass 081325 (P1569577)
8/7/25: Judge Kimberly Irving Order for Oak Valley defendants’ Digital Gateway rezoning lawsuit: Order – Oak Valley HOA v. Prince William County Board of County Supervisors – 08-07-25; Letter Opinion – Oak Valley HOA v. Prince William County Board of County Supervisors – 08-07-25
12/3/24: Appeal by Coalition-ABT filed with Court of Appeals. 2024.12.03 Notice of Appeal to COA
10/31/24: Circuit Court Judge Tracy Hudson dismisses Coalition lawsuit against Digital Gateway rezoning Hudson Demurrer 2024.11.19 Final Order
1/12/24: Coalition to Protect PWC Petition against PWC Board of County Supervisors Digital Gateway rezoning filed in Prince William Circuit Court: Coalition-ABT Lawsuit Document
1/12/24: Coalition to Protect PWC Digital Gateway Lawsuit Press Conference – Facebook Live
1/1/24: WMAL – Chap Petersen:
12/12-13/23: The BOCS ignored the need to hold a legitimate vote on the projects, moved forward with their 12/12/23 agenda, and voted to approve the Digital Gateway rezonings 4-3-1 on 12/13/23. County Attorney Robl memo (11-30-23) Looney Digital Gateway advertisement 113023
QTS
We are ONE Prince William County 022422
PWC Econ Dev letter to QTS re Targeted Industry-Digital Gateway 020222
Is this true? QTS plans to desecrate Hallowed Ground? 020222