Leesburg Town Council approves rezoning to allow data center development

The Leesburg Town Council has voted to approve a rezoning application that will allow data centers and additional industrial and research park uses on two parcels of vacant land in the Village at Leesburg development.

The applicant, Springfield East, LC, had sought permission to amend the concept plan and proffers for the property, known as Village at Leesburg Land Bays D&E, to allow for the development of data centers and other additional uses currently permitted in the I-1 (Industrial/Research Park) zoning district.

The property consists of two parcels located across from residential and commercial development in the Village at Leesburg on the east side of Crosstrail Boulevard and the high voltage power transmission lines. The two parcels are separated by Russell Branch Parkway. The site containing the proposed data center abuts the Luck Stone quarry.

The applicant has proposed a data center and related substation on the subject property, but the approval of the rezoning allows for any permitted uses to be built. As part of the application, the applicant has proffered to include the extension of the Tuscarora Creek Trail and additional funds to be used by the Town for recreational purposes, along with tree plantings and other landscaping within designated area of the property.

The motion for approval cited the application’s consistency with applicable guidance of the Legacy Leesburg Town Plan and regulations of the Town’s Zoning Ordinance. Council Member Kari Nacy voted against.