Data center noise, bright lights rattle Reston residents | NBC4 Washington
Reston residents say CoreSite's expanding data center has caused persistent noise, bright-light pollution, vibrations and other quality-of-life problems near their homes. The expansion received prior approval before Fairfax County adopted rules requiring data centers to be at least 200 feet from residential neighborhoods.
Residents on Cocquina Drive in Reston are criticizing CoreSite's data center expansion near Fairfax County Parkway, citing generator noise, drilling, blasting, construction vibrations, bright nighttime lighting and increased electricity costs. Neighbors say the lights enter their bedrooms, construction has allegedly caused cracks in some homes, and people associated with the project have crossed onto private property.
Residents said CoreSite planned a 75-foot-tall facility about 97 feet from nearby homes but that they could not challenge the expansion because it had already received approval. The project predates Fairfax County's newer data center regulations, which prohibit facilities within 200 feet of residential neighborhoods. NBC4 Washington said CoreSite had been contacted for comment but had not responded.