Natelli Holdings Presents Data Center, Park Proposal In Lusby

Natelli Holdings has unveiled plans for a 133-acre data center campus, dubbed Appeal Digital Park, in Lusby, Maryland. The proposal involves purchasing county-owned land originally slated for a Dominion Energy Regional Park and, in exchange, relocating and funding the construction of a new $30 million regional park. The plan was presented at a public information session, drawing significant community interest and prompting questions about infrastructure, workforce, environmental impacts, and long-term development. The proposed data center campus could require up to 300 megawatts of power and would use treated wastewater from the Solomons Wastewater Treatment Plant for cooling, with a commitment to avoid groundwater wells. SMECO, the local electric utility, clarified that the developer would be responsible for funding all necessary electric infrastructure upgrades. Residents and local officials, including Commissioners Earl "Buddy" Hance, Catherine Grasso, and Mike Hart, debated the project's potential benefits and drawbacks, such as job creation, tax revenue, and the relocation of the long-delayed park, versus concerns like noise, traffic, and the preservation of Calvert County's rural character. Commissioner Hart advocated for a two-year moratorium on data center development to allow for independent studies, but the majority of Calvert County commissioners rejected his proposal, citing existing text amendment processes as sufficient. Community members like Teresa Tacik and Len Zuza expressed frustration over a lack of transparency, the proposed land swap for the park, and potential strain on energy and water resources. County officials noted the proposal is in an early evaluation stage, with no agreements finalized and further community input deemed necessary before any decisions are made.