Prince George's Planning Board Declines To Take Position On Data Center Proposal
The Prince George's County Planning Board declined to take a position on LDR-155-2026, a proposed zoning amendment to allow data centers in Agricultural Residential and Rural Estate zones. This decision sends the legislation back to the County Council, continuing the debate over data center development in the county. Residents expressed frustration despite the Planning Department recommending opposition to the bill.
The Prince George's County Planning Board considered LDR-155-2026, a proposed zoning amendment that seeks to permit qualified data centers in Agricultural Residential (AR) and Rural Estate (RE) zones. Despite a recommendation from the Prince George's County Planning Department to oppose the legislation, the Planning Board ultimately voted to take no position on the proposal.
The Planning Department's recommendation to oppose LDR-155-2026 was based on several factors, including the LDR's inconsistency with the department's approved general plan and the recommendations from the Qualified Data Center Task Force. Residents also voiced strong opposition during the meeting, with community activist Greg Smith expressing frustration over the board's inaction.
The board's decision means that LDR-155-2026 will now be sent back to the Prince George's County Council for further consideration, prolonging the ongoing debate over data center development in the county. Local reporter Katera Jones highlighted the continued fight by many residents to keep data centers out of Prince George's County. It was also noted that a 2-year pause on data centers in Prince George's County remains in effect.