Worcester County residents react to proposed cable landing station
Worcester County residents expressed strong opposition to a proposed cable landing station by Globalinx during a recent town hall meeting in Berlin, Maryland. Concerns included potential environmental impacts, noise, utility costs, and the proximity to a historic African American cemetery. County officials stated that no plans have been approved yet, with further information and testing required.
Residents of Worcester County, Maryland, voiced significant concerns regarding Globalinx's proposed cable landing station during a tense town hall meeting at Stephen Decatur High School. Organized by Worcester County Commissioner Eric Fiori, the event aimed to clarify the Virginia Beach-based company's plans for a "telecommunications gateway" off Stephen Decatur Highway, which Globalinx clarified is not a data center.
Attendees, including Berlin resident Laurel Davis and business owner Mo Gould, raised objections over potential environmental impacts on Assateague Island, increased noise levels, and higher utility bills. A major point of contention was the station's proposed proximity to the historic Purnell family cemetery, established in the 1860s. Family members Bobby Purnell and Alavontine Showell, current caretakers of the cemetery, expressed hopes to work with Globalinx to preserve access and the site should the project proceed.
Timothy McMullen, an Ocean Pines resident, criticized the county and town of Berlin for historical mistreatment of the Purnell family, but also lamented the lack of civility during Globalinx's presentation. Commissioner Fiori stated his intention to vote against the development and hopes to facilitate discussions between Globalinx and the Purnell family for cemetery preservation. County Zoning Division officials confirmed that the project is still under review, with more information and testing needed before any decisions are made, and no plans have been approved.