A Data Center's Arrival: A Turning Point for My Neighborhood

In 2002, as my wife and I scoured for the perfect place to settle down, we were irresistibly drawn to Chantilly. It offered the kind of charm we sought—mature trees, shady spots, and a wooded area for our children to explore. It felt like home.

Fast forward two decades, and my walks through these woods still bring me solace. There's immense joy in encountering a family of river otters or observing birds perched serenely among the branches.

The Unexpected Arrival of a Data Center

Recently, a swath of this cherished landscape was cleared to make room for an expansive 402,000-square-foot data center, less than a mile from where we live. This project threatens to strip away what we've come to love so deeply. The idea of losing my peaceful walks in nature weighs heavily on me, nudging us to consider the unthinkable—relocating.

The notion of the 'cloud' as some intangible entity is misleading; it's split between colossal, unattractive structures. Although the change was inevitable, it doesn't make it any less disheartening.

Alarmed by News of the Data Center Development

Residing near the edge of Loudoun County, notorious for its data centers, did little to soften the blow when I learned of the data center plans near my home. The news had left me feeling distressed and outraged.

My pastime involves immersing myself in nature, capturing images of its beauty. In the area destined for the data center, my camera has preserved moments of North American river otters, curious woodpeckers, watchful owls, and even communities of great blue herons. The thought of transforming such a vibrant habitat into a concrete expanse is troubling.

Voicing My Concerns in Public

In 2023, I joined numerous others in addressing the Fairfax County Planning Commission, the entity responsible for advising the Board of Supervisors on developmental matters. I carefully drafted a speech cataloging the diverse plant and wildlife endangered by this construction.

Though our voices resonated into the late hours, as speeches concluded, the commission endorsed the project. The decision left me feeling crushed and despondent.

Our voluntary Homeowners Association lacks the resources for legal battles, leaving us largely powerless.

Looking to the Future: A Possible Move

My greatest worry living so near a data center is the constant humming noise they are known to generate. While we haven't devised a strategy to tackle this, I doubt there's much we can manage.

We had once felt secure in our home, but thoughts of moving are becoming more persistent. We're contemplating a less bustling setting like the mountains or a seaside, aiming to relocate post-retirement, within the next ten years.

In the interim, my hope is for the data center to integrate harmoniously within our community.