Letter To The Editor: Opposition To Data Centers Near Retirement Community

The following was submitted as a letter to the editor by Michael Slayter, on behalf of the Neighbors of Four Seasons, VA.

In Dumfries, Virginia, the Four Seasons community—a tranquil, gated neighborhood of 800+ residents aged 55 and older—has long been regarded as Northern Virginia’s premier retirement community. With a clubhouse full of activities, sports courts, pools, and serene wooded trails, it's an ideal haven for seniors, disabled residents, and veterans.

That peace is now under threat from the proposed Lexora Park project—a complex of five massive data processing centers to be built just hundreds of feet from homes along a one-mile stretch adjacent to the community. These centers will stand at least 75 feet tall, operate 24/7, and produce constant noise from diesel generators, cooling systems, and industrial fans. Similar facilities elsewhere in Prince William County have led to property value drops, health concerns, and environmental impacts.

Despite the severity of the project, Four Seasons residents were kept in the dark. Months before informing the community, developer Cedrus Group approached the HOA Board, which struck an unofficial agreement in exchange for unenforceable promises of noise and pollution mitigation. Later, additional clubhouse improvements were discussed—benefiting only a small fraction of residents.

When the broader community learned of the project, two packed HOA meetings drew around 200 residents each, with near-unanimous opposition voiced. Nonetheless, on July 2, 2025, the HOA Board voted to endorse Lexora Park, giving the developer leverage to push for County approval and rezoning.

This endorsement does not reflect the will of Four Seasons residents. With Prince William County already home to 10 million square feet of data centers—and plans for 80 million more—residents ask: how much is enough? Why not build where people don’t live?

And ultimately, who profits at the community’s expense?

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