Frederick County data center fight heads toward referendum

The Frederick County Data Center Referendum Committee has advanced its efforts to challenge a newly approved 2,600-acre data center overlay zone in Frederick County, Maryland. The group submitted 22,169 signatures to the Board of Elections, exceeding the 7% threshold of registered voters required to place the issue on the November ballot. This initiative seeks to allow residents to vote on the controversial zoning plan, which includes approximately 1,000 acres currently zoned for agricultural use. Organizers, led by Elizabeth Bauer, anticipate a potential legal battle, as the County Attorney has argued the zoning decision may not qualify for a referendum under the county charter. Bauer stated the committee is prepared to file in court immediately if the referendum is challenged. Residents like Kim and Tim Gross expressed concerns, citing high electricity consumption and environmental impacts, with Gross describing it as a "not in my backyard" phenomenon. County officials have touted the potential financial benefits of the data center project. Election officials have 20 days to verify the submitted signatures.