N. Va. political leaders scramble to meet evolving public sentiment on data centers
Northern Virginia political leaders are navigating increasing public concern over data center development, balancing economic benefits with quality-of-life impacts. Fairfax County adopted stricter zoning rules, but an ongoing project in Lincolnia by Starwood Capital Group faces opposition, including from Alexandria City leaders, due to a proposed Dominion Energy substation. Leaders from Loudoun, Arlington, and Alexandria also discussed regional strategies and lessons learned regarding data center proliferation.
Northern Virginia political leaders are grappling with growing public concern over data center developments as the issue becomes a delicate balancing act ahead of 2027 local elections. At the 11th annual Northern Virginia Regional Elected Leaders Summit, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay emphasized the need for updated regulations to address data center impacts while acknowledging their necessity for modern technology.
Fairfax County has recently adopted stricter zoning rules for data centers, including proximity restrictions to residential areas. However, these new rules do not apply to projects already under review, such as Starwood Capital Group's plan to redevelop the 34-acre Plaza 500 site in Lincolnia with two data center buildings. This project is facing significant opposition, with Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez and Alexandria City leaders, including Mayor Alyia Gaskins, urging the Fairfax County Planning Commission to reject Dominion Energy's proposal for a substation vital to the planned data center facilities.
Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phyllis Randall shared lessons from Loudoun's extensive data center development, noting the financial benefits but also acknowledging quality-of-life costs. She advised other localities to use Loudoun as a "cautionary tale" for planning and zoning. Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti also acknowledged the regional interconnectedness of data center impacts. The issue is expected to be a key factor in future local elections across Northern Virginia as leaders explore ways to manage growth and public sentiment, with Randall stating that Virginia localities lack statutory authority for outright moratoriums but can use land-use powers.