Data Center Controversy Continues in Frederick MD

A controversy continues in Frederick, Maryland, regarding data center development, specifically an overlay zoning amendment. Residents have successfully gathered over 22,000 signatures, exceeding the 15,000 required, to place a referendum on Frederick County's data center overlay zoning on an upcoming ballot. This initiative seeks to give voters a voice on future data center expansion beyond what has already been approved or is under construction, focusing on additional acreage. However, the county attorney, reportedly at the behest of the county executive and county council president, is preparing to challenge the referendum in court. The legal dispute centers on the distinction between a "law" and an "ordinance" within the county's charter, arguing that the zoning change is an ordinance not subject to direct voter referendum. The collected signatures are currently undergoing validation by the County Board of Elections, which will ultimately decide whether the referendum is eligible to move forward to the ballot. Public opinion, as indicated by an unscientific poll, overwhelmingly supports allowing voters to decide.