Virginia Neighborhood Feels Brunt of Data Center Boom
A neighborhood in Loudoun County, Virginia, is feeling the impact of the growing data center industry. The area, known as Statesboro Place, has seen the emergence of towering windowless buildings and constant noise from nearby facilities operated by Amazon Web Services and Microsoft.
Residents on the cul-de-sac have expressed concerns about the proximity of the data centers to their homes, with one saying, 'It's like 150 feet away and just constant noise.'
A spokesperson for Microsoft stated that the company is actively meeting with nearby HOAs to address community priorities, including landscaping, lighting, and noise.
Amazon also acknowledged the concerns, stating that its local team has been working directly with residents and the HOA to address issues. The company noted that it takes residents' concerns seriously and has worked with the HOA to evaluate and reduce noise, address lighting issues, and provide updates on construction and commissioning schedules.
The data centers have not only changed the landscape but also reshaped Loudoun County's finances. County officials reported that data centers generated $1.2 billion in tax revenue in fiscal year 2026-39% of the county budget, and project a rise to $1.3 billion in fiscal year 2027.
However, residents have expressed frustration with their individual bills continuing to rise despite the increased tax revenue.