Concerns over a proposed data center dominated the Leesburg Town Council meeting on January 28, 2025, as residents voiced strong opposition to its potential impact on the community. The discussions highlighted fears about noise, aesthetics, and the long-term implications of such infrastructure in residential areas.

One resident passionately criticized the data center's design, likening it to "something that belongs in Stalinist Russia," and urged the council to consider the externalities it would impose on the community. "This data center imposes great externalities on many people," she stated, emphasizing the disruption it could cause to the peaceful environment that residents cherish.

Another speaker, Greg Gutierrez, echoed these sentiments, describing the noise levels associated with the data center as intrusive. "Imagine trying to go to bed at night with constant chatter," he warned, stressing that the proposed facility would disrupt the tranquil lifestyle that many residents enjoy. Gutierrez, who serves on the town's board of zoning appeals, urged the council to reject the application, stating, "Lipstick on a pig is still a pig."

The council members listened attentively as residents expressed their concerns, with many emphasizing the need for careful planning and consideration of the community's character. The discussions underscored a growing unease about the rapid development of data centers in the area, as residents called for alternative revenue sources that would not compromise their quality of life.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the fate of the proposed data center remains uncertain, with residents hopeful that their voices will influence the council's decision. The outcome could set a precedent for future developments in Leesburg, balancing economic needs with the preservation of community values.