Kuhn Eyes Retail Center Outside of Lovettsville, Requests Annexation

JK Land Holdings, led by CEO Chuck Kuhn, has submitted an annexation request to the Town of Lovettsville, Virginia, for a 27.3-acre parcel east of Berlin Turnpike. The proposal aims to develop a retail and industrial center, including 29,000 square feet of retail, up to 10,000 square feet for dining or brewery use, and 170,800 square feet of industrial space. The land is currently zoned Agricultural Rural

1, and if annexed, the company plans to rezone it to C-2 or C-1. The town's Comprehensive Plan identifies the property as a potential site for annexation and has considered commercial and light industrial uses as an option.

The application, submitted in December but stirring public concern recently, has led to community speculation that a data center is planned for the site. Retired hydrologist David Ward voiced concerns in a letter to the town's Planning Commission, citing the project's estimated 59,000 gallons per day water usage, which he states would increase the town's average daily pump by 41% and significantly impact groundwater supply.

However, Kuhn emphatically denied these claims, calling them "absolute lies" spread by the same parties who opposed a similar Purcellville project. He stated the project has "nothing to do with data center development" and would be supported by town water, not an on-site well. Town Manager Jason Cournoyer and Mayor Christopher Hornbaker corroborated this, confirming no data centers have been discussed for the property and current town zoning does not permit such use. The annexation application remains at the staff level, with no immediate review by the Planning Commission or Town Council, as staff have raised concerns about the intensity of use, transportation, and utilities.