Curata Partners proposes Leesburg Gateway redevelopment including data centers and parkland

The Leesburg Planning Commission meeting on June 5, 2025, centered around a proposed town plan amendment for a significant development project known as the Leesburg Gateway. This project, covering approximately 100 acres north of Route 7 and west of Battlefield Parkway, aims to transform the area into a mixed-use neighborhood featuring data centers, office spaces, and parks.

Urban planner Molly Novotny, representing the property owners, outlined the vision for the site, which is currently designated as an innovation center in the town plan. The proposal includes three data center buildings and three flex office buildings, with a commitment to preserving a substantial amount of existing trees and creating a new public parkland area. The development is designed to align with the town's guidelines for density and land use, although concerns were raised about the feasibility of such density given the existing road infrastructure.

Key community concerns emerged during the public comment portion of the meeting. Residents expressed apprehension about the potential environmental impact of the data centers, particularly regarding noise, power demands, and traffic from large vehicles on local roads. Brian Wegener, a local resident, highlighted the need for clarity on how the power requirements of the data centers would be met, given the significant increase in electrical demand in the county over recent years.

Other residents, like Travis McNary, voiced mixed feelings about the development, initially opposing it but later recognizing the potential benefits of a more controlled, mixed-use approach compared to high-density residential options. Concerns about the preservation of wildlife and the natural landscape were also raised, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the area's ecological integrity.

The meeting concluded with a call for further community engagement and a comprehensive review of the development plans to ensure they align with the desires and needs of local residents. The Planning Commission is expected to continue discussions on this proposal, weighing the economic benefits against the environmental and social impacts on the community.