Hiddenwood re-zoning forwarded to business meeting

By Katie Northcott

On June 11, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted to forward a proposal to re-zone Hiddenwood Assemblage to its next business meeting after receiving a recommendation to deny the proposal from the Planning Commission and from staff.

For over a year, planning and zoning staff has been working with Hiddenwood Assemblage developers to create a workable proposal. The proposal has received heavy pushback from the community with 48 of 77 public speakers on the issue opposing the proposal at the Board’s public hearing on July 10, 2024. At the June 11 public hearing, Scott Bell and Jackie Clement, residents of Hiddenwood Lane spoke in favor of the proposal.

“As difficult as this process has been for [Hiddenwood residents], we have waited patiently. And we have addressed every concern that has been presented to us,” Bell said. “This application provides a solution for all parties.”

Hiddenwood residents are excited about an opportunity to sell their land to developers, since their land was devalued after the approval of JK Technology Park #2 (JK2). Hiddenwood residents have been living in a construction zone, been subject to noise from planes flying overhead, and watched data centers appear near their property. As a result of the construction, there is now only one entrance to Hiddenwood Lane.

“I don’t think people have considered all the suffering we have endured these past years.” Bell said.

The opposition is a result of the land’s proximity to Briarfield Estates, a residential area. Residents are concerned about the impact of industrial and commercial buildings like data centers on their health and on the value of their land.

“I’m left moving this forward but having a lot of issues with it because I don’t think it’s sufficiently buffered,” said Supervisor Matthew Letourneau (D-Dulles).

To ease concerns of Briarfield residents, the developers proffered out six industrial uses, including data centers. However, Planning and Zoning staff recommend that the developers proffer out four additional uses before the Board approves the proposal.

Chair Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) said that she plans to vote in favor of the proposal at the Board’s business meeting.

“What matters right now is getting these human beings out of this horrible situation,” Randall said.

Other supervisors think there may be a better solution that better preserves Briarfield property values, such as limiting the proposal to two industrial buildings instead of three.

“There is a better solution out there. It may not be quite as lucrative,” said Supervisor Caleb Kershner (R-Catoctin).

The Board forwarded the proposal for consideration with a 7-0-2 vote. Supervisors Michael Turner (D-Ashburn) and Koran Saines (D-Sterling) were absent.