Cable landing station proposed for West OC; nearby property owners voice opposition

Globalinx is seeking approval from Worcester County to construct a 24,000-square-foot cable landing station on Stephen Decatur Highway in West Ocean City, Maryland. This proposal has sparked significant opposition from local property owners and residents who believe the facility, despite Globalinx CEO Greg Twitt's assertions, is effectively a data center and poses risks to the coastal environment and community well-being. The controversy stems from an October 2022 25-year lease agreement between the Ocean City Council and Globalinx to land transatlantic fiber optic cables at the municipal airport, a deal that would bring the town $800,000 plus additional fees for more cables. While initially described as a "vault" for cables at the airport, residents and local leaders, including Worcester County Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young, are now questioning the scope of the nearby proposed facility that would connect these subsea cables to land-based networks. A "Community Coalition of Impacted Property Owners" sent a letter to the Worcester County Commissioners detailing their "strenuous opposition." They argue the "5-megawatt facility" is a high-intensity industrial utility that would demand massive grid upgrades, increase energy and water consumption, and cause noise and light pollution. The coalition has requested a pause in the permitting process, an environmental and rate impact study, and a public town hall meeting. Commissioner Eric Fiori echoed these concerns, questioning if the facility aligns with existing zoning codes for the residential district. Globalinx CEO Greg Twitt insists the facility is solely a connection point for subsea cables, not a data center, and will facilitate improved internet connections with minimal employees and water usage. He noted plans to work with Choptank to upgrade two substations in Worcester County to address power concerns, acknowledging that power demand would increase gradually. The company has created a webpage to address public questions and concerns, expressing willingness to meet with the community. Worcester County's technical review committee also has questions regarding water, sewer, and noise, and is considering a public meeting to explain the project.