Alexandria officials join march protesting Plaza 500 data center near city border
Alexandria officials joined residents and community groups in marching against the planned Plaza 500 data center campus in Lincolnia, Fairfax County. Opposition centers on the project’s potential effects on electricity demand, water use, noise, the environment and nearby neighborhoods, while a Dominion Energy substation needed for the development awaits a Fairfax County Planning Commission review.
Alexandria Mayor and City Council members joined residents and community organizations in a march from Alexandria’s West End to the planned Plaza 500 data center campus in Lincolnia. The event launched a two-week statewide March for a Moratorium seeking a pause on new Virginia data center development while lawmakers assess impacts on the electric grid, water resources, land use and neighboring communities.
The Plaza 500 project, led by Starwood Capital Group, is allowed under Fairfax County’s existing zoning rules because it was grandfathered before stricter data center regulations took effect. Dominion Energy’s proposed Edsall Road substation must still undergo a public facilities review by the Fairfax County Planning Commission, with a hearing scheduled for Dec. 2; the State Corporation Commission has approved related transmission lines.
Alexandria Council members Abdel Elnoubi, Canek Aguirre and Sandy Marks attended the march. Residents and the Save Bren Mar Coalition are urging the Planning Commission to reject the substation, citing concerns about backup diesel generators, water consumption, noise, environmental effects and the project’s proximity to homes and transit. Elnoubi said the city may explore legal options if the substation is approved, while Gov. Abigail Spanberger has announced a framework that would develop statewide data center standards and review noise, backup power and grid reliability issues.