Fairfax neighbors push back on data center project as Trump defends industry
Fairfax residents are opposing a proposed 34-acre data center project in Lincolnia, citing its proximity to homes. While the data center's zoning is permitted, approval is pending for an electrical substation from Dominion Energy, with the Fairfax County Planning commission set to decide in September or December.
Fairfax County residents are actively resisting the proposed 34-acre Plaza 500 data center project in Lincolnia, Virginia. While generally supportive of the data center industry, residents are concerned about the project's close proximity to their homes. One resident stated, "Data center developers and local jurisdictions are trying to jam these things as close as they possibly can to residents, and that is why we are so upset."
The data center itself is permitted under the site's existing zoning regulations. However, the project's viability hinges on securing approval for an electrical substation from Dominion Energy, which is necessary to power the facility. The Fairfax County Planning Commission is scheduled to make a final decision on the substation's approval in September or December. The local opposition continues despite former President Trump's recent comments defending data centers as critical for America's future, characterizing opponents as "backwards and poor."