Frederick County board approves 244-acre industrial rezoning despite opposition
The Frederick County Board of Supervisors approved Peterson Companies' rezoning of 244 acres near White Post for an unspecified industrial development, despite strong public opposition and a prior recommendation for denial. The proposal prohibits data centers, but residents raised concerns about possible power generation, pollution, noise, water use and the lack of a defined end user.
The Frederick County Board of Supervisors voted 6-1 to rezone three parcels totaling 244 acres along Fairfax and Front Royal pikes in White Post from Rural Areas to Light Industrial. Peterson Companies is proposing the Gibson Property development, which could include multiple industrial and office buildings, but the project's ultimate uses remain unspecified. The company estimates the development could generate $3.13 million annually in real estate taxes and more than 2,000 direct jobs.
The Frederick County Planning Commission had recommended denying the rezoning, and more than 30 residents spoke against it during the public hearing. Opponents cited uncertainty about the project, potential water and sewer demands, and information suggesting a gas-turbine power station could be built on the property. Peterson added data centers to the project's prohibited uses, while County Attorney Andrew Fox said the restriction would bind current and future owners unless the property was rezoned again. The board approved the rezoning over those objections, with Supervisor Bob Wells casting the sole dissenting vote.