⚖️ STAFFORD COUNTY PATTERN: County Fights 75-Acre Camping Resort in Court While Rolling Out Red Carpet for 20 Data Center Buildings Mark and Vivian McLeod filed a lawsuit against Stafford County after officials refused to approve their site plan for Crow's Nest Outdoor Adventure — a 75-acre camping resort off Belle Plains Road with 150 campsites. The county's Planning Department told the McLeods their campground could only be for "tents only" — no RVs, no travel trailers. The McLeods argued it was a by-right use that didn't need Board of Supervisors approval. KEY FACTS: 1. BY-RIGHT USE: The McLeods offered a $250,000 reward to anyone who could find a Stafford regulation requiring campgrounds to be tents-only. Nobody could. The Board of Supervisors even acknowledged the campground is a by-right use. 2. TAXPAYER-FUNDED OPPOSITION: Stafford County hired an outside law firm to fight a local small business — using taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, the county has approved 20 data center buildings across 5 sites. 3. COURT TIMELINE: • May 19, 2025: Circuit Court heard arguments on the county's demurrer • May 27, 2025: Judge Caddell ruled the case can go to trial (county's demurrer overruled — the McLeods' "huge win") • July 16, 2026: Judge Strickland signed an order removing the July 20 hearing and rescheduling to October 19, 2026 at 1:00 PM — by agreement of counsel • Crow's Nest learned of the postponement only 4 days before the scheduled hearing. Supporters had already taken time off work to attend. 4. ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT: The campground site is adjacent to Big Marsh tidal wetlands. Opponents cite traffic, algae blooms, and ecosystem damage. But data centers — which consume millions of gallons of water and require massive transmission infrastructure — face no such scrutiny from the county. THE PATTERN: Stafford County has established zoning, building, and environmental standards to guide where data centers can be developed — 20 buildings approved across 5 sites. But when a local family wants to build a campground on their own 75 acres? The county sends in outside counsel. Case: Mark A. McLeod v. Stafford County, Virginia Court: Circuit Court of Stafford County Case Nos: CL25-382-00 / CL25-1989-00 Next hearing: October 19, 2026 at 1:00 PM Judge: Strickland Sources: Fredericksburg Free Press (June 10, 2025), Stafford County Planning & Zoning, Crow's Nest Outdoor Adventure Facebook, Stafford County Circuit Court records

Fredericksburg Free Press — June 10, 2025