Calvert Candidates Address Data Centers, Property Taxes And Government Transparency
Candidates for the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners discussed stronger protections against data centers during a forum in Prince Frederick. Incumbents Mike Hart and Catherine Grasso supported pursuing a two-year moratorium, extending the six-month moratorium commissioners approved in August, while other candidates raised concerns about zoning, water use, and community input.
Candidates participating in a League of Women Voters forum in Prince Frederick outlined differing approaches to data center development in Calvert County. Commissioners Mike Hart and Catherine Grasso said they would seek a two-year moratorium if reelected, extending the six-month pause approved by the Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 18. Hart also proposed using an independent environmental firm to develop stronger protections for future industrial projects.
Ethan Cox and Michael Bennett supported restoring Farm and Forest zoning on land being considered for data center development, while Bennett warned that the county could face legal challenges. Jason Scaggs cited the scale of the facilities and potential water impacts as reasons data centers may not fit the county, and Antoine White said residents should have been consulted earlier. The candidates also discussed taxes, infrastructure, permitting, government transparency and public services ahead of the Nov. 3 election.