Data Center rezoning concerns

Dear Editor:

The Board of Supervisors has recently increased the number of data centers that can be constructed by-right, effectively allowing developers to bypass the need for a special use exemption. Additionally, all data centers still have the ability to amend their site plans by up to 5% without requiring a special exemption.

Supervisor Caleb Kershner advocated for allowing applications that did not originally include data centers as a specific use to update their applications and be grandfathered in, thereby avoiding the need to apply for a special use exemption.

Supervisor Juli Briskman proposed removing all grandfathering provisions, arguing that grandfathering effectively approves the construction of 22 data centers, which would add 61 million square feet of data center space—more than doubling the current stock.

Supervisor Matt Letourneau supported grandfathering on the grounds of fundamental fairness. Meanwhile, Kershner opposed removing the grandfathering, expressing surprise that the issue was even being discussed.

He characterized the motion as an attempt to infringe upon property rights, calling it “egregious” and “anti-American” because of the country’s foundational emphasis on property rights. He further claimed that the data centers have enabled the county to lower the personal property car tax rate to $3.09 per $100 of valuation, resulting in small savings for car owners.

Supervisor Laura TeKrony argued that the data centers provided significant “relief,” though some contend that refunding the $280 million surplus would have been a more meaningful form of relief.

Supervisor Kristen Umstattd expressed concerns about the impact of removing by-right opportunities for businesses and homeowners who have already made investments. She emphasized the importance of ensuring an equitable playing field for all, but that was not reflected in her vote.

Chair Phyllis Randall echoed this sentiment saying she wasn’t going to do anything that devalues a person’s home value. Property rights are defended in relation to data centers, but are not defended when it comes to private property owners.

The BOS is not opposed to the taking of 365 acres of private land across 15 miles of the Lovettsville and Neersville areas for the construction of the MARL (500kV) and the ValleyLink (765kV) power lines to support the data centers.

Supervisor TeKrony stated the county administration is considering lowering the property tax rate on data centers, particularly on data center personal property taxes.

Loudoun residents have made their opposition to the expansion of data centers clear, with many expressing that the industry has already outgrown its welcome. It may be time for voters to consider primary challenges to current incumbents.

Theresa Ghiorzi
Lovettsville