Carroll County clarifies data center rumors

During their March 23 meeting, Carroll County commissioners addressed community concerns regarding potential data center development. Resident Tom Konst questioned county officials about infrastructure requirements, zoning authority, and whether a proposed energy project off Cobbler Road involved a data center. Konst noted significant community discussion fueled by what he described as rumors and misconceptions. Commissioner Chris Modranski clarified that no data center has been proposed as part of the Advanced Power project, and the county has no plans to site a data center on county-owned property. Commissioner Robert Wirkner added that the county does not control water service and that any zoning decisions in unzoned areas would be the responsibility of township trustees, should residents wish for protective measures. Konst emphasized that many residents do not understand the extensive infrastructure — including roads, water, and sewer services — required for data centers. Commissioner Wirkner suggested that the widespread speculation is largely due to the high power demands of data centers and the concurrent expansion of a new power plant in the area, leading people to connect the two developments. Commissioners reiterated that public discussions remain speculative as no specific data center project has been formally presented.