Residents rally against data center substation
Fairfax County residents are actively opposing the proposed Edsall Data Center Substation, citing proximity to residential areas, environmental concerns, and a lack of public input. Congressman Don Beyer has requested the Planning Commission deny the application. The Mason District Land Use Committee and Planning Commission have upcoming votes on the substation application.
Residents of Fairfax County are fiercely opposing the proposed Edsall Data Center Substation 2232, a project intended to support a data center at Plaza 500 by Starwood Capital Group. Congressman Don Beyer has formally requested the Fairfax County Planning Commission to deny the application, echoing constituents' concerns about the substation's proximity to homes, an elementary school, and potential environmental impacts.
The opposition intensified after the data center plans were 'grandfathered in' in 2024, despite new county ordinances and a successful resident effort in 2022 to block rezoning for industrial use. Dominion Energy, planning to build the substation, presented its plans to the Mason District Land Use Committee, where over 100 residents protested, arguing they had 'zero input' on the substation. Key concerns include the substation's location just 67 feet from a residential area, when new county rules in 2025 will require a 100-foot setback, as well as noise and light pollution and flooding risks.
While Dominion Energy representatives claimed community input occurred during a State Corporation Commission (SCC) process, residents, including Brian Sterling of the Bren Pointe Homeowners Association, contend that process related to transmission lines, not the substation itself. Christa McDonald, a Dominion Energy siting specialist, stated lighting would be sensor-activated and a noise study would be conducted. However, she avoided direct questions about alternative locations, noting an expansion of the Van Dorn substation was previously rejected due to cost and challenges.
The Mason District Land Use Committee is scheduled to vote on recommending approval or denial of the Edsall Data Center Substation 2232 application on September 22, followed by a public hearing and decision by the Planning Commission on September 24. "Save Bren Mar" continues to rally support and provide updates to residents.