Were Ashburn neighbors offered $4M each to sell for data center development?

The Regency neighborhood in Ashburn, Virginia, is grappling with a proposal that could see homeowners sell their properties for an estimated $4 million each to a data center developer. The community, comprising 143 half-acre lots, is increasingly surrounded by existing and planned data centers, leading to concerns about noise, visual impact, and a diminished quality of life for residents who purchased homes decades ago. Mital Gandhi, a former HOA President and real estate developer, spearheaded the effort to find a developer willing to buy out the community. The proposal, which remained largely quiet for over a year, recently gained public attention. However, residents are divided; some have rejected the initial offer, contributing to friction within the neighborhood. Kevin McCaughey, the current Regency HOA President, stated that "there is currently no offer to purchase the Regency homes for data center development," describing contrary reports as inaccurate. A major obstacle to any such redevelopment is the area's current residential zoning. Any application to rezone the land for data center use would necessitate the agreement and signature of every single homeowner. Broad Run District Supervisor Sylvia Glass acknowledged awareness of data center developers reaching out to Regency residents but clarified that she is not involved in negotiations, and no rezoning application has been submitted to Loudoun County. The county's comprehensive plan currently designates the land for housing, commercial, and civic uses. Gandhi maintains that new opportunities have emerged, and he will continue to support the Loudoun community in exploring solutions.