Baltimore County Council preparing for data center moratorium vote
The Baltimore County Council is preparing to vote on extending a data center moratorium until December 2027. The current moratorium expires on January 1st, and the council will decide whether to prolong the pause on new developments. This decision involves complex issues like land use, taxation, and water use, with some residents advocating for an even more extensive review of data center suitability in the county.
The Baltimore County Council is slated to vote on extending a moratorium on data center developments. The current moratorium is set to expire on January 1st, and the upcoming vote on Tuesday will determine whether to prolong this pause until December 2027.
Councilman David Marks emphasized the complexity of the issue, stating, "The public needs much more of an opportunity to comment on data centers. This is a very complex issue that involved land use, taxation, water use, and we don't want to rush judgment on any of these issues." During a recent council meeting, several residents expressed agreement with Marks but urged the council to go further, suggesting they "seriously consider data centers belong in Baltimore at all."
However, some, including President and CEO Kelly Schultz (of an unspecified entity, likely a business or economic development group, given the context of "economic opportunity"), expressed opposition to the extension. They argued that data centers could bring income, economic opportunities, and good-paying jobs, fearing the county might miss out on growth opportunities. The vote is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Tallison Ra.