Alexandria officials and residents push back against planned data center near city limits
Officials and residents in Alexandria and Fairfax County, Virginia, are actively opposing a proposed data center campus and its associated electrical substation by Starwood Capital Group. Concerns about environmental impact, health, safety, and quality of life have led to planned protests and calls for legal action, even though the project's zoning is currently
Alexandria officials and residents are voicing strong opposition to a proposed data center campus by Starwood Capital Group in Lincolnia, Fairfax County, Virginia. The development, planned for the 34-acre Plaza 500 site at 6299 Edsall Road, includes two data center buildings and requires a new electrical substation. While House Majority Leader Charniele Herring noted that the data center development is "by right" based on existing zoning, the associated substation, which received State Corporation Commission approval, still requires a "public facilities 2232 review" by the Fairfax County Planning Commission on September 24.
Residents from the Bren Mar and Bren Pointe communities are organizing protests ahead of the Planning Commission's review. Tyler Ray, president of the Bren Pointe Homeowners Association, expressed concern that the data center application was filed before the substation's full approval. Former Alexandria City Council member Mo Seifeldein urged the Alexandria City Council to explore legal options to protect residents, emphasizing that the project's impacts extend beyond Fairfax County lines.
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins confirmed she shares residents' concerns regarding health, safety, climate, and quality of life for those living near the proposed site. Although the City of Alexandria lacks direct authority over Fairfax County's land use decisions, Mayor Gaskins stated she is actively communicating concerns to Fairfax County leaders. The city government is currently monitoring the proposal without having taken an official position. The Mason District Land Use Advisory Committee will also review the substation plans before the Planning Commission meeting.