Globalinx lease agreement still on, despite county’s data hub freeze
Worcester County Commissioners approved a 12-month moratorium on data center and cable landing station projects, directly affecting Globalinx's proposed facility in Ocean City. Despite this, Ocean City's lease agreement with Globalinx remains in effect, as Globalinx is responsible for securing necessary permits.
Worcester County Commissioners recently enacted a 12-month moratorium on new permit applications for data centers and cable landing stations, including the suspension of current matters before the county's board of zoning appeals. This decision directly impacts a proposed cable landing station by Virginia-based Globalinx, which seeks county approval for a 25,000-square-foot facility along Route 611 in Ocean City. The moratorium aims to provide the county with time to study the potential impacts of such projects on resources and properties, and to establish appropriate regulations and locations.
Despite the county's moratorium, Ocean City Manager Terry McGean confirmed that the town's 25-year lease agreement with Globalinx, which could generate $800,000 for the city plus $200,000 per additional cable, remains valid. McGean stated that the lease agreement places the burden of securing permits on Globalinx, and their inability to do so does not negate the agreement. Globalinx, through attorney Demetrios Kaouris, expressed disappointment with the county's action and is evaluating its options. Globalinx CEO Greg Twitt declined to elaborate on the company's next steps.
The proposed Globalinx facility is intended as a connection point for subsea cables running from Ireland to the Ocean City Municipal Airport. The timeline for cable installation is heavily dependent on state and federal permitting, which is expected to take two years, with installation projected for late 2027.