A significant discussion at the recent Leesburg government meeting focused on a proposed rezoning application for a 101.9-acre site in the Eastern Gateway District. This area, currently designated as an Innovation Center, is surrounded by notable landmarks, including the Leesburg outlets and the Potomac Station marketplace.

The proposal aims to introduce an alternative set of land use policies that would allow for data centers, flex industrial spaces, and parkland. This shift from the existing employment-focused mixed-use development aligns with the vision outlined in the Eastern Gateway District small area plan, which emphasizes creating a mixed-use neighborhood.

Key guiding principles of the proposal include generating employment and tax revenue, integrating natural open spaces, creating public parkland, and ensuring adequate transportation infrastructure. The planning commission is currently reviewing the proposal, which has undergone multiple submissions, with the latest presented just weeks ago.

As the commission evaluates the benefits of this rezoning, they are considering how it aligns with the community's long-term vision for development in the Eastern Gateway District. The outcome of this proposal could significantly impact the area's growth and character in the coming years.