Residents of Leesburg voiced strong opposition to a proposed data center during the Town Council meeting on January 28, 2025, highlighting concerns over its impact on local neighborhoods. Nathan Koziol, a resident of Stratford Club Condos, passionately expressed his discontent, stating that he would not have chosen to live in the area had he known about the potential development.

Koziol urged fellow residents to raise their hands if they opposed the data center, demonstrating a clear consensus among attendees. He pointed out that while the land is currently zoned for significant development, including buildings up to 80 feet tall, the community has not seen interest from hotels or office buildings in years. He noted that a recent Marriott development nearby indicates a continued demand for such facilities, contradicting claims that the data center is the only viable option.

The resident also raised concerns about affordable housing linked to the data center, arguing that it would not meet the needs of local teachers and families. He emphasized that the proposed housing would be unaffordable for many, particularly those earning 60% of the area median income.

Koziol further criticized the financial implications of the data center, questioning the promised tax revenue against the potential costs of developing parks and maintaining community standards. He concluded by urging the council to listen to the residents, emphasizing that they would be the ones living with the consequences of such a decision.

The meeting underscored a significant community pushback against the data center, with residents calling for more consideration of their concerns and the long-term impact on their neighborhoods.