GWU Neighbors Raise Concerns Over Amazon Data Center Plan as County Pursues Opposition

Community members in Loudoun County, Virginia, are vocalizing strong opposition to Amazon's proposed data center campus on the former George Washington University (GWU) Virginia Science and Technology campus in Ashburn. During a town hall meeting hosted by Supervisor Juli E. Briskman, residents cited concerns over noise and emissions from backup generators, archeological impacts, water consumption, and potential adverse health effects for those with respiratory issues, as well as plummeting property values.

Amazon purchased the 120-acre property for $427 million in February and submitted a site plan in July. Although initially rejected due to missing elements, the application was formally accepted by Loudoun County on September 23. The plan details 805,000 square feet of development across four buildings, including 84 backup generators, impacting nine of the ten parcels.

Loudoun County officials, including Supervisor Briskman, County Chair Phyllis J. Randall, and Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer, actively oppose the project. Deputy County Administrator Danny Davis outlined strategies to combat the development, primarily focusing on zoning. The property is currently zoned under a 1972 ordinance that largely permits data centers as a by-right use. However, the county intends to transition the property to its 2023 Zoning Ordinance, which would not allow by-right data centers, once state-imposed restrictions on the Rt. 28 Tax District dissolve on December 5. Additionally, a July advisory opinion from the Zoning Administrator determined that data centers are not permitted as a by-right principal use in areas designated for office space under the old ordinance. The county is also investigating potential covenants from the land's original donation to GWU that could restrict future uses.

While the county is legally required to approve the project if Amazon meets all requirements, the process is expected to be lengthy, with multiple submissions and reviews. The Board of Supervisors is also considering broader actions, including a proposal on October 5 to stop grandfathering protections for previously submitted applications and an expected vote to adopt a 12-month moratorium on new data center applications. These broader measures, however, are not anticipated to impact Amazon's GWU application directly.