'We’ve been screwed': A wealthy county is overrun with data centers
From USA TODAY:
No place has embraced the digital economy more than Loudoun County, long-known as the wealthiest county in the United States thanks to its proximity to Washington, DC and major government contractors.
The region is home to more than 230 data center buildings, what the county describes as the largest concentration of computing hubs on the planet. Together, the facilities occupy more land than New York City's Central Park and consume enough electricity to power more than 2.2 million homes.
The county steadily became a leader in the global data center boom over the past decade as companies flocked to the area for its extensive fiber network and fast-track approval process.
In turn, the local government has collected billions of dollars in tax revenue from facilities backed by companies including Amazon and Microsoft. The windfall has helped fund new parks, schools and other public services while allowing officials to substantially reduce property tax rates.
Yet, the same industry that funded those amenities is drawing increasing backlash from many Loudoun residents who are troubled at the rate of construction and worry the county is too reliant on the money they bring in. Some also raise concerns about noise, pollution and their property values.
"I don't think we need any more data centers," said Sam Lechman, 35, who brings his three young children to the large recreation center in Aldie. "There are other ways to pay for these nice things."