Mital Gandhi of Ashburn, Virginia, has proposed that his subdivision collectively sell properties to data center developers because of noise and proximity to about 200 nearby facilities. He suggested a price of roughly $4.4 million per acre — about four times local home values — a deal that could top $500 million if all 143 homeowners agree. Gandhi introduced the plan in 2024 but faces difficulty securing unanimous support, highlighting tensions over land use and community impact.
Virginia Homeowner Proposes $500M Plan to Sell Entire Neighborhood to Data Center Developers
Virginia man wants to sell neighborhood to data centers for $500M
Mital Gandhi, a resident of Ashburn, Virginia, has proposed an unusual and high-stakes solution to the growing presence of data centers near his home: organize his subdivision and sell the properties to tech developers. Gandhi says persistent noise and the visual presence of facilities in the area prompted the idea.
“You can see them from my front porch. You can hear them sometimes from my pool,” Gandhi told Business Insider. “It’s not appealing to me to hear them or to be surrounded by them.”
The Proposal
Gandhi outlined the plan in 2024 for the homeowners in his development to collectively sell their lots to a developer at approximately $4.4 million per acre — a figure he says is roughly four times the area’s typical residential value. If all 143 homeowners agreed, Gandhi estimates the transaction could exceed $500 million.
Why Ashburn?
Ashburn, located in Loudoun County, hosts roughly 200 data centers — the highest concentration in the world — earning it the nickname "Data Center Alley." Gandhi argues that the local concentration of infrastructure makes his subdivision potentially attractive to developers seeking land proximate to power, fiber and other data-center necessities.
Challenges and Community Impact
Convincing every homeowner has been difficult: Gandhi acknowledges he has not secured unanimous support among the 143 households in his development. Neighbors weigh potential windfalls against attachment to their homes, community ties, and questions about relocation and future plans for the land.
“This is the best possible scenario for our lives at this point,” Gandhi said. “To give 143 families an opportunity — potentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — is probably one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life.”
Gandhi’s proposal underscores broader tensions in regions where data centers cluster: communities, developers and local governments must balance economic development, land-use planning and residents’ quality of life as infrastructure expands.
What’s next: The idea remains a proposal; any sale would require significant negotiation, legal reviews, and agreement among property owners and local officials.
Help us improve.
