Dear Editor,

In recent weeks, there has been considerable discussion—and some understandable confusion—surrounding the community outreach efforts related to the proposed Gigaland data center project in Remington. I’d like to take a moment to clarify what has occurred and reaffirm our commitment to transparency and fairness.

From the outset, we’ve made every effort to listen to the community and respond respectfully to feedback. Early on, we were told by several mebers from opposition groups—Protect Fauquier, Citizens for Fauquier County (CFFC), and the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC)—that they would not oppose the project if the Meadows community, which is located closest to the site, did not object. We took that to heart. Our team went door to door, engaging directly with residents, and found overwhelming support within the Meadows neighborhood.

Later, the conversation shifted—we were told that “Remington doesn’t want Gigaland.” In response, several dozen letters of support were submitted by Remington residents, and the Remington Town Council—representing its citizens—formally submitted a letter of support for the data center projects near town limits to the Board of Supervisors. 

Then the focus moved again, this time to the broader Lee District. Once again, we engaged directly with Lee District residents and received strong support, including additional letters sent to the Board of Supervisors. The Lee District Planning Commissioner, John Meadows, even made a formal motion recommending the Gigaland rezoning application for approval—a motion that unfortunately did not receive support from commissioners in other districts.

Most recently, the narrative shifted once more. It’s no longer about the Meadows, Remington, or the Lee District—it is now being called a “countywide issue.” While we would love to meet with every household in Fauquier County, that simply isn’t possible. To help broaden access to project information, we hired Assembly Strategies, a Virginia-based digital outreach firm.

Assembly Strategies conducted a voter engagement campaign, speaking with hundreds of residents and assisting many in submitting emails of support or connecting with County staff via a patch-through phone system. When questions arose about the validity of a portion of these contacts, we responded immediately. Out of an abundance of caution, we asked Assembly Strategies to stop all outreach efforts and conduct a full internal audit of submitted emails and call recordings. We take full responsibility for the actions of all vendors and contractors we engage.

While that review is underway, we’ve also reviewed many of the opposition emails submitted to County staff and observed that a number lack basic identifying information—such as names, addresses, or phone numbers. Our intention is not to discredit anyone. We simply believe all input—whether in support or opposition—should be held to the same standard of accountability and verification.

Our commitment remains firm: we are here to engage in good faith, provide accurate information, and ensure that every resident is heard and respected throughout this process. Development decisions are complex, and while they may not be black and white, they should always be guided by facts, fairness, and a shared vision for Fauquier County’s future.