Community opposes proposed 150-foot cell tower near Ashburn Chase Apartments

In the heart of Loudoun County, community members gathered at the Board of Supervisors meeting on June 3, 2025, to voice their concerns over a proposed cell tower that could dramatically alter the landscape of their neighborhoods. The atmosphere was charged with apprehension as residents expressed their fears about the visual and environmental impact of a 150-foot tall structure planned for the Claiborne and Route 7 interchange.

One resident, representing a coalition of concerned citizens, presented a compelling case against the tower. She highlighted that both Verizon and Xfinity had opted not to lay fiber optic cables in new residential areas, instead relying on fixed wireless technology for internet service. This shift raised alarms among residents who felt that the proposed tower, positioned alarmingly close to homes and senior living facilities, was unnecessary and intrusive. “We shouldn’t be disadvantaged by having this giant monopole so close to residential housing,” she urged the Board, calling for a vote against the proposal.

Another resident, James Russell, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the tower's proximity to the Ashburn Chase Apartments. He painted a vivid picture of the potential disruption, noting that the tower would loom just 380 feet away, with no natural barriers to shield the community from its imposing presence. Russell criticized the visual renderings provided by the project developers, arguing they downplayed the tower's impact by using misleading vantage points. “There were no views of the tower from our community,” he stated, presenting his own visuals to illustrate the stark reality of the proposed structure’s visibility.

As the meeting progressed, the residents’ concerns were met with attentive ears from the Board, who were tasked with weighing the community's apprehensions against the need for improved telecommunications infrastructure. The discussions highlighted a broader issue of balancing technological advancement with the preservation of community aesthetics and quality of life.

With emotions running high and the stakes clearly defined, the outcome of this proposal remains uncertain. The Board of Supervisors will have to consider not only the technical needs of the area but also the voices of the residents who cherish their community's character. As the meeting concluded, the community left with a sense of hope that their concerns would resonate with the decision-makers, shaping the future of Loudoun County’s landscape.