Loudoun Supervisors Back Study of Data Centers at GW Campus

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a request to study the potential for data center redevelopment on George Washington University's 120-acre Ashburn campus. This decision follows the university's recent sale of the property to Amazon Data Services for $427 million, a move that has sparked significant concern among county leaders regarding the loss of the educational institution and the potential for data centers to be built without sufficient oversight. Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) initiated the study request, emphasizing the need for full transparency to both the board and the public about potential developments by Amazon Data Services. The study will assess allowable uses, zoning regulations from the 1972 Zoning Ordinance, building limitations, and required power infrastructure like substations. Despite recent regulatory changes removing data centers as a by-right use, the property's age means supervisors may face limitations in requiring special exception permits and public hearings. Supervisors, including County Chair Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) and Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), voiced frustration over the lack of coordination from the university and the public's misconceptions about the county's role in data center development. Randall announced plans for a town hall forum to address misinformation, vowing that the county would use all legal means to fight undesirable developments. Letourneau clarified that while data centers contribute significant revenue to the county, funding much of its operations, the board is largely in agreement that they do not want data centers on the GWU campus. The motion to support the study was approved 7-0-2.