Prince George’s Planning Board Remains Neutral on Data Center Proposal Despite Local Concerns

The Prince George’s County Planning Board recently decided to withhold a position on a proposed amendment that would permit data centers in agricultural and residential zones, despite strong objections from local residents and an unfavorable recommendation from county planning staff.

This decision follows the county council's recent implementation of a two-year moratorium on data center developments, aimed at formulating regulations for such facilities. The planning board discussed the amendment during its regular meeting, which was introduced by District 2 Council member Wanika Fisher.

Planning department staff advised against the amendment, arguing that it represents a fragmented approach that contradicts the newly established moratorium. Heather Urwiller, a special program management coordinator, emphasized that the amendment lacks the comprehensiveness needed for effective legislation.

Although the board unanimously accepted the staff's analysis, it ultimately chose to remain neutral. This means that if a council member wishes to advance the amendment, they may do so by introducing it formally as a bill.

Fisher, who was unavailable for direct comment due to travel, expressed in a written statement that she believes it is crucial to evaluate the future role of data centers in the county. She acknowledged residents' concerns about proximity to homes and suggested that data centers should ideally be located away from densely populated areas.

Community members voiced their disappointment during the planning board meeting, arguing that the proposed amendment fails to adequately address critical issues such as environmental impact, resource consumption, and community engagement. Resident Henry Wixon highlighted the need for comprehensive legislation that considers factors like air quality and environmental justice.

The proposed amendment includes provisions that would exempt larger data centers from detailed site plan requirements, set minimum project sizes, and increase the distance between data centers and residential buildings. Additionally, it would limit data centers to specific properties, including those near high voltage transmission lines and designated brownfields.

However, planning staff raised concerns about the lack of clarity around the definition of a brownfield within the amendment text. Furthermore, they warned that the amendment could lead to adverse environmental effects, including increased air pollution and noise.

Opponents of the proposal argued that it is premature to consider expanding areas for data centers without sufficient regulatory frameworks in place. Greg Smith, a member of Sustainable Hyattsville, criticized the board's decision, emphasizing the need for protective legislation before enabling further development.

The planning board's decision comes in the wake of community backlash against a large data center proposed for the former Landover Mall site, which spurred the council to enact the moratorium and establish a Qualified Data Center Task Force to evaluate the implications of such developments.

Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).