ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The ongoing battle over data centers in Northern Virginia continues this week in Alexandria. We have been reporting on several data center proposals for months, and they have all brought a lot of controversy. Some consider them an economic driver, while those who live next door to them say they are a nuisance.
Neighbors in Alexandria are the latest in our area to try to stop construction of a data center there. Residents will attend a Land Use Committee meeting on Tuesday to make their voices heard.
It's the second time neighbors will put up a fight against the same developer. They thought they succeeded in stopping construction, but the developer changed plans to a smaller footprint that gives them by-rights use. It's meant to fast-track approval, and means neighbors will not have a say.
One of those residents speaking out, and trying to change the law, is Rebecca Gomez.
"Back here is where the data center will be," Gomez said, looking off her balcony.
She lives just behind the site where developer Starwood Capital Group wants to build a 446,000 square-foot data center. She doesn't think it's the right fit for the area, and construction could be a hassle. Gomez just had a baby.
"My primary concern for the newborn is that the constant sound would negatively impact him," she said.
We reached out to Starwood Capital Group, but they have yet to respond. Gomez and others wonder if enough is being done to regulate data centers.
"We have talked to Alexandria City, Fairfax County and the developers and because this is a by-right development, the developers aren't willing to speak with us," Gomez said.
Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez responded to our request for comment with the following statement:
"The Bren Mar location's by-right land use designation was decided before I took office in January. Nevertheless, I made it a priority to closely monitor Fairfax County's proposed data centers."
Jeffrey McKay, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, echoed those sentiments in a letter he sent to constituents. It explained that zoning laws could be amended to address data centers, but even if that is proposed it would not be in time for this one.
"If the submitted plan meets all requirements, it must be approved," McKay wrote.
"I'm really disappointed. I really think there's an opportunity here to assuage our concerns. If the primary concern is noise, and that's something that's going to be fixed, why not talk to us," Gomez said.
In a report last year, we verified the type of noise these data centers emit are low frequency sounds, however they are harder to silence, can be more annoying and even pose health risks.
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