Prince George’s County board holds data center meeting
Prince George's County Board of Planning met to discuss a proposed zoning change allowing data centers in rural areas, despite an existing county moratorium. The board adopted staff findings opposing the change but did not make a direct recommendation to the County Council, frustrating opponents. This zoning proposal aims to establish future data center locations if the moratorium is eventually lifted.
The Prince George's County Board of Planning held a public hearing to discuss a proposed zoning change, Legislative Draft (LDR) 155, which could permit data centers in rural residential and agricultural zones. This discussion occurred weeks after the County Council enacted a two-year moratorium on data center development, prohibiting new facilities in the county.
Council member Wanika Fisher introduced LDR 155 in June as an early attempt to define regulations, standards, and zones for data centers should the moratorium be lifted. Fisher indicated a preference for data centers to be located far from dense residential and transit areas. During the hearing, numerous speakers, along with staff from the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, voiced strong opposition to the proposed change, arguing it contradicts the existing moratorium and the county's long-term planning.
Despite the significant public opposition and staff recommendations to reject LDR 155, the Board of Planning voted unanimously for a technical ruling. They adopted the staff's findings of opposition but refrained from offering a direct recommendation to the County Council. This decision left many attendees frustrated by the board's perceived lack of a strong stance against data centers. The proposal is expected to proceed to the County Council but is anticipated to fail given the current moratorium.