Prince William initiates rural west plans for 3,929 new homes

Prince William County, Va. — July 22, 2026

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted 5-3 on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to initiate two comprehensive plan amendments that could bring up to 3,929 new homes to the county's rural west, according to InsideNoVa.

The vote does not approve either development. It starts a review process that would require future votes on the plan amendments and on rezoning before construction could proceed.

The larger of the two, Manassas Preserve, could add as many as 2,762 homes on 256 acres adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield Park, InsideNoVa reported. Catharpin Valley Estates, on 293 acres nearby, could add up to 1,167 homes. Both amendments would shift the land's designation from agriculture and forestry toward residential use, though Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye said during the meeting that the initiation vote does not commit the board to a final residential designation or to approving a rezoning later.

Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega moved both amendments for approval, seconded by Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry. "We are at a crossroads," Vega said, according to InsideNoVa. "I judge every project on its merits."

Chair Deshundra Jefferson and Gainesville District Supervisor George Stewart, whose district includes both properties, voted against each amendment, joined by Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy. Stewart called the proposals "Frankenstein development" and "non-conforming," InsideNoVa reported. Gordy said the area lacks a mobility plan to support the added traffic, echoing concerns he raised during the board's unanimous July 7, 2026, vote against a separate 2,000-acre data center proposal in Dulles South.

County staff had recommended denying both amendments before Tuesday's vote, InsideNoVa reported.

About 50 residents attended a two-hour public comment period on the amendments. Supporters cited the county's housing shortage and an estimated $20 million to $25 million in real estate tax revenue the homes would generate. Opponents raised concerns about groundwater impact, traffic, and the developments' compatibility with the surrounding rural area, and some noted the proposals share a land agent with the now-defunct Prince William Digital Gateway data center campus.

County staff will study both proposals in more detail before returning them to the board for a decision on the underlying comprehensive plan changes.