Amazon shelves Loudoun County data center plan
Amazon has withdrawn plans to build four data centers at the former GW campus in Ashburn after concerns from nearby residents. Loudoun County supervisors also postponed consideration of a proposed pause of up to one year on new data center construction approvals, with a hearing scheduled for Nov. 17.
Amazon abandoned plans for four data centers at the former GW campus in Ashburn, Loudoun County, after community concerns. The company purchased the property for $427 million and is now working with the county on a mixed-use proposal including housing, an art center and indoor recreation space, along with an additional $5 million contribution to the county’s housing fund. Amazon said it chose the alternative plan after hearing from the community and to avoid costly litigation.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors separately postponed consideration of a proposal to pause approvals for new data center construction for up to a year. Supporters of the data center industry warned that a pause could create uncertainty for businesses and property owners and invite legal challenges, while supervisors said additional time was needed to review the county’s rules and regulations. A hearing on the proposed pause was scheduled for Nov. 17.