Is the failed Amazon data center deal in Loudoun County a 'tipping point'?
Amazon is abandoning plans to build four data centers at its former George Washington University campus in Ashburn after significant local opposition. Under a proposed deal, Amazon would donate land and money for community facilities and housing while Loudoun County fast-tracks rezoning for residential development, though the agreement is not yet final and the data center application remains on file.
Amazon paid $427 million for George Washington University’s former Ashburn campus with plans for four data center buildings, but the company is now pursuing a different arrangement with Loudoun County after facing objections. The proposed deal would provide 25 acres valued at about $65 million for a community center and indoor sports facility, along with $5 million for housing.
In exchange, Loudoun County would fast-track rezoning that could allow Amazon to build homes on the remaining property. Board Chair officials say the arrangement could help Amazon recover part of its investment, while Supervisor Julie Brisman, a prominent data center opponent, describes it as a potential tipping point and warns that Amazon’s data center application remains active. Supervisor Kristen Umstadt, a data center supporter, criticizes the deal, arguing that residential development could cost the county more in schools and roads than the roughly $1.3 billion in annual tax revenue associated with data centers. The agreement is still being finalized and could take months to complete.