Pressure grows on Fairfax County to deny substation for data center in Lincolnia
Residents and a local coalition in Lincolnia, Fairfax County, are actively opposing a proposed Dominion Energy substation intended to power a data center project by Starwood Capital Group. Despite the data center development being "by right" zoning, the substation requires approval from the Fairfax County Planning Commission, where a decision is pending. Community members and Rep. Don Beyer are urging the commission to deny the substation due to concerns over environmental impact, quality of life, and property values near residential areas.
Starwood Capital Group has submitted plans for the first phase of its Plaza 500 data center project on a 34-acre site in Lincolnia, Fairfax County, Virginia. The initial phase involves a 75-foot-tall, 226,469-square-foot data center. While the data center development is "by right" under existing zoning, local residents and the "Save Bren Mar Coalition" have mobilized in opposition to an associated electric substation proposed by Dominion Energy, which is critical to power the facility.
The proposed Edsall Road substation requires a "public facilities 2232 review" by the Fairfax County Planning Commission, with a hearing scheduled for September 24. Residents, including over 100 who attended a July meeting, expressed concerns about the substation's proximity to homes, potential health impacts from diesel generators, and effects on property values and the environment. Representative Don Beyer (D-8), whose district includes the project area, has sent a letter to the Planning Commission urging denial of the substation application, emphasizing the need to locate such projects away from residential areas.
Tyler Ray, president of the Bren Pointe Homeowners Association and founder of the Save Bren Mar Coalition, highlighted that the community does not support the project, believing it inconsistent with the county's comprehensive plan. The coalition is drawing lessons from nearby Loudoun and Prince William counties regarding data center impacts and has garnered support from residents in the City of Alexandria concerned about regional effects. Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors previously approved general restrictions on data centers in 2024 and new substation rules in 2025.