The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is actively pursuing efforts to address the affordable housing crisis. Recently, Starwood Capital Group, a data center developer, approached the county seeking to purchase county-owned land to build a data center (3721 Stonecroft Blvd.) This developer also owns prime land just half a mile from a metro station (Plaza 500 at 6295 Edsall Rd.) which they unfortunately want to develop into a data center and electrical substation that will harm local residents and the environment. This site while prime for affordable mixed-use housing is being pursued for a massive data center complex a mere 67 ft. from and surrounded by residential communities.

The Board of Supervisors MUST pursue a land swap to leverage the sale of county owned property to obtain the Plaza 500 site which is ideal for affordable housing close to the metro. 

The surrounding communities are in unanimous support for a land swap to revitalize Plaza 500 as affordable housing and have sent a letter to the Board of Supervisors with that ask. 

This pressing issue underscores the urgent need for strategic planning in Fairfax County to safeguard the community's quality of life while addressing the critical affordable housing shortage. The Fairfax County Board has a unique opportunity to leverage this land sale to secure new affordable homes, particularly near accessible transport hubs like metro stations, which can vitally support affordable housing developments.

Currently, Fairfax County's affordable housing efforts have fallen short, with rising property prices and rental rates squeezing out low- to middle-income families. By conditioning the data center land sale  on the inclusion of affordable housing, the Board can both address the affordability crisis (and grow the tax base with mixed-use housing) while still gaining the economic benefit of a data center development.

Data centers and substations, while important for infrastructure, must not be prioritized over the essential human need for homes. An agreement with Starwood Capital Group must include provisions for a land swap to support the ambitious affordable housing goals of 10,000 affordable housing units by 2034 set by Chairman McKay and the Board of Supervisors. Doing so will demonstrate the Board's commitment to solving the housing crisis and prioritizing the welfare of its citizens.

We call upon the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to champion the needs of the community by requiring that Starwood Capital Group Purchase Sale Agreement include land swap language for mixed-income housing at the Plaza 500 site near the metro. Together, we can work towards sustainable development that supports all residents. 

Sign this petition to urge Fairfax County to make thoughtful, community-oriented choices in land development and ensure that affordable housing becomes a reality for those who need it most.