Loudoun County Board reviews proposed substation amid community opposition

Loudoun County's Board of Supervisors faced significant community pushback during a public hearing on July 9, 2025, regarding a proposed substation intended to support local data centers. The meeting highlighted concerns from residents about the potential impact of the substation on their quality of life and property values.

The proposal, presented by the applicant, emphasized that the substation would be necessary to meet the energy demands of the nearby data centers. The applicant argued that the site is strategically located near existing infrastructure and that the development aligns with the county's comprehensive plan, which designates the area for employment uses, including data centers and public facilities.

However, residents from the Tuscarora Crossing neighborhood expressed strong opposition, citing that the substation would disrupt the intended use of the land and negatively affect their community. Speakers highlighted that the area was designed for residential and mixed-use development, not high-impact industrial projects. They voiced concerns about the proximity of the substation to homes and community spaces, including a playground, arguing that it would diminish their quality of life and property values.

Several residents urged the Board to uphold the Planning Commission's previous denial of the project, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to the county's long-term planning vision. They argued that approving the substation would set a concerning precedent for future developments that could encroach on residential areas.

The discussion underscored a broader tension in Loudoun County between the rapid growth of data centers and the preservation of community integrity. As the Board considers the proposal, the implications for local residents and the future of land use in the area remain at the forefront of the conversation. The Board is expected to deliberate further on the matter, weighing the economic benefits of the data centers against the community's concerns.