By Barry O’Connell
Last week, Prince William County residents scored a major win. A judge struck down the approval of a massive data center corridor, citing procedural violations and lack of public transparency. But while Virginians are celebrating, Prince George’s County residents may be sleepwalking into the same trap, one that could transform neighborhoods into industrial zones, all under the guise of “economic development.”
And the epicenter of this quiet storm? The old Landover Mall site.
🕵️♂️ The Tip That Changed Everything
A highly connected political operative in Prince George’s County tipped me off: Parks & Planning is quietly pushing a data center proposal, with three “community hearings” already underway—North, South, and Central. But the Central meeting was a farce. Attendees weren’t allowed to ask their own questions. Instead, they were handed pre-scripted ones. The entire pitch focused on revenue, not risk.
So let’s ask the obvious:
If the Central meeting was billed as a public hearing, but residents weren’t allowed to speak freely, did it violate public meeting provisions? Could this entire process be overturned in court?
Prince William County’s ruling suggests yes. Their judge found that the county failed to properly notify residents and make documents available. Sound familiar?
🏗️ One Data Center Becomes Five
> “This isn’t just about one project. Once zoning is changed, the precedent is set. One data center becomes two. Then five. And before you know it, your residential community is an industrial corridor.” — Dave Grogan
Grogan’s warning isn’t hyperbole. It’s a blueprint. Once the zoning domino falls, the County can greenlight more centers with minimal oversight. And with the Landover Mall site already being floated, the transformation from community hub to concrete corridor could happen fast.
💸 Desperation or Corruption?
Let’s talk about the political players.
- Aisha Braveboy, the County’s top legal official, is known for playing fast and loose with hiring. Her office has been riddled with accusations of cronyism and incompetence. Now, with the data center push, residents are asking: Who benefits? Who’s really behind this?
- Edward Burroughs, Council Chair, is reportedly under scrutiny for funneling $2.5 million in County grants to his boyfriend’s nonprofit. While the investigation hasn’t been confirmed publicly, the optics are damning. If Burroughs is compromised, how can residents trust the integrity of this process?
The specter of corruption is no longer a whisper—it’s a scream.
⚠️ What’s at Stake
- Environmental degradation: Noise, heat, and energy strain.
- Loss of community character: Parks replaced by server farms.
- Procedural violations: Scripted hearings, opaque zoning changes.
- Political fallout: Aisha, Ed, and Wala may be betting on revenue—but they’re gambling with public trust.
🗳️ The Election Issue No One Saw Coming
This isn’t just a zoning fight. It’s a referendum on leadership, transparency, and the future of Prince George’s County. If played right, a political rock star could emerge from this moment, someone who stands with residents, demands accountability, and refuses to let the County become a corporate playground.
Sunday morning reads don’t get more urgent than this.
Barry O’Connell is an investigative journalist and political analyst focused on Maryland governance, systemic accountability, and historical equity.
Footnote:
Quote from Dave Grogan’s article “Savior Saturday: Who’s Calling the Shots in Prince George’s County?”
