Federalsburg introduces legislation to ban data centers
The Federalsburg Town Council introduced an ordinance to completely ban data centers in the town, following significant public opposition to a recent proposal and a previously enacted three-year moratorium. This legislation, which would prohibit data centers in all zoning districts, is considered the most extreme step taken by any jurisdiction on Maryland's Eastern Shore if approved. The ordinance will proceed to the town's planning commission for review and a public hearing in September.
The Federalsburg Town Council introduced Ordinance 2026-07 on Monday, proposing a complete ban on data centers across all zoning districts within the town limits. This measure, if approved, would represent the most stringent restriction on data center development on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
The council's action follows substantial public opposition to a previous data center proposal in Federalsburg, which led to a packed meeting in July. Although the potential developer for that project owns approximately 200 acres of land, specific plans or a formal proposal have not yet been submitted. In response to the outcry, the council had already enacted a three-year data center moratorium on August 3. Nearby jurisdictions, including Caroline County and the Town of Ridgely, have also passed one-year moratoriums on data centers.
The proposed ordinance is set to be reviewed by the town's planning commission on August 26, followed by a public hearing on September 9. During Monday's discussion, Council member Brandy James raised concerns about potential loopholes, suggesting that the definition of "data centers" in the legislation should explicitly include "technology centers" to prevent similar projects under a different name. Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan, communicating via text, indicated that the current definition was sufficient but open to revision. Council member Ian Ferguson advocated for a ballot question in the upcoming town election to solidify the ban and the moratorium, hoping to mitigate future legal challenges.