Worcester considers data center regulations

Worcester County, Maryland, has implemented a 12-month moratorium on new data center and cable landing station developments, effective since July 21. This decision by the county commissioners allows officials to study the facilities' impacts and develop comprehensive legislation for their regulation. The pause has directly affected a proposed cable landing station project by Globalinx for Amazon Web Services, planned along the Route 611 corridor near West Ocean City.

Prior to the moratorium, county planning officials had determined that Globalinx's project did not fit existing zoning definitions for public utilities or data centers, leading Globalinx to appeal for a special exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals. A hearing for this appeal, originally scheduled for August 19, has been halted due to the moratorium, leaving the project in limbo until new regulations are established.

During a recent meeting on August 6, the Worcester County Planning Commission, including Chairman Jerry Barbierri and member Mary Knight, began reviewing public input for stronger language regarding digital infrastructure in the county's draft comprehensive plan. Development Review and Permitting Director Jennifer Keener emphasized the need to consider the broader impact of large-scale digital infrastructure on the county. The commission is working to avoid prematurely closing development avenues while ensuring future facilities are appropriately addressed.