Summary of the August 1, 2024 Town Planning Commission Session

The Leesburg Planning Commission held a public hearing to discuss the rezoning and special exception applications for Oaklawn Land Bay A and MUC-2. The session included presentations from town staff, the applicant, and comments from community members.

Key Points of the Proposal:

• Rezoning Applications (TLREZN2023-0001 and TLSPEX2023-0001):
  • Up to 700,000 sq ft for data center use or 400,000 sq ft for flex industrial/business park use.
  • 184 multifamily dwelling units in MUC-2, focused on affordable housing.

Presentation by Mr. Murphy (Senior Planning Project Manager):

• Rezoning History: Initially planned for employment centers and residential communities.
• Compatibility Concerns: Proposed uses do not comply with the town plan, particularly regarding the proximity to residential areas and lack of detailed mitigation plans for potential impacts.
• Traffic and Transportation: The intersection at Miller and Battlefield Parkway already operates below acceptable levels of service. The new developments will exacerbate this issue.
• Environmental Impact: Concerns over the noise and visual impact of the data centers and the increased strain on water and sewer systems.
• Fiscal Impact: Data centers could generate $5.9 million annually but fluctuate. Flex industrial uses would contribute less ($164,000 annually).

Applicant’s Presentation (Molly Novotny, Urban Planner):

• Proposed Benefits:
  • Completion of Hope Parkway with data center funding.
  • Affordable housing project providing high-quality living spaces.
• Community Outreach: Acknowledged community concerns and expressed commitment to further engagement and adjustments based on feedback.
• Design and Mitigation Plans: Proposals for enhanced setbacks, landscaping, and architectural designs to minimize impacts.

Community Concerns:

• Beverly Chasen: Opposed due to proximity to residential areas and increased noise and pollution. Requested denial similar to the Westpark Golf Course decision.
• Declan: Highlighted property value concerns and quality of life impacts due to noise and increased traffic.
• Kimberly Ross: Emphasized existing market improvements and argued against the justification for rezoning based on vacant land.
• Dr. Brader: Opposed due to the deviation from promised development plans and long-term vision for the community.
• Evita Turner: Expressed concerns about the impact on daily life, including noise pollution and community aesthetics.
• Additional Speakers: Several residents voiced their opposition, emphasizing the detrimental effects on their community, including noise, traffic, and environmental concerns.

Staff and Commission Concerns Raised

Staff Concerns:

1. Traffic and Transportation: Intersection at Miller and Battlefield Parkway already below acceptable service levels, worsened by new developments.
2. Environmental Impact: Significant noise pollution and strain on water and sewer systems.
3. Compatibility: Proposed uses do not comply with the town plan and are too close to residential areas.
4. Lack of Detail: Inadequate plans for mitigating potential impacts on the community.

Planning Commission Concerns:

1. Noise and Pollution: Increased noise from cooling systems and diesel generators affecting residents’ health and quality of life.
2. Infrastructure Strain: Significant impact on water and sewer capacity, potentially increasing household bills.
3. Traffic Congestion: Apartments feeding directly into an already strained intersection, worsening congestion.
4. Economic Viability: Concerns about long-term economic sustainability and whether the proposed data center will meet community needs.
5. Proximity to Residential Areas: Data center too close to homes, reducing property values and quality of life.
6. Lack of Binding Commitments: Concerns about the lack of legally binding agreements ensuring developer promises are fulfilled.
7. Alternative Uses: Preference for sustainable developments that provide long-term benefits without compromising environmental quality.

Next Steps:

Work Session: Scheduled to address outstanding issues and gather further details on the proposals.

Action Items for the Community:

• Write Letters: Write letters to the members of the Planning Commission and the Town Council expressing your concerns and opposition to the proposal.
• Sign the Petition: Get more people to sign the petition against the development.
• Join the Facebook Group: Encourage more of your neighbors to join the Facebook group, Leesburg Communities for Responsible Growth to stay informed and engaged.
• Attend Work Sessions: Continue to participate in work sessions to voice concerns and suggestions.
• Stay Informed: Keep updated with the latest developments and share information within the community.
• Advocate for Alternatives: Propose sustainable and community-friendly alternatives that align with Leesburg’s long-term planning goals.

For further details and ongoing updates, please visit No More Data Centers.