Amazon To Host "Community Open House" On Data Center Development

Amazon is set to host a community "open house" on March 26 at Calvert Middle School in Prince Frederick, Maryland, to engage with Calvert County residents regarding its data center development plans in the area. The event, which will include two sessions and a livestream, is designed as a Q&A where residents can submit questions in advance. However, the announcement by Calvert County on its Facebook page quickly garnered negative feedback. Many commenters accused Amazon of using the open house as a "marketing tool" and expressed skepticism about the lack of independent review for the project and the absence of opposing viewpoints at the event. Residents also criticized the policy of submitting questions in advance, fearing it would allow Amazon to avoid challenging inquiries. Public concern over the proposed data center has been active for over a year, intensifying recently as the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) began formal actions, including creating a text amendment to incorporate data centers into the county’s zoning ordinance. Locals were further alarmed by a job posting for a data center construction manager before any project confirmation. While proponents argue that the data center could offer long-term economic security, many Calvert residents contend that the potential harms, such as increased water usage, air and noise pollution, and rising energy costs, outweigh any economic advantages. The ongoing dialogue highlights significant community division over the development.