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Residents urge transparency on data‑center proposals; board pledges fuller public process
Summary
Public commenters said secrecy and NDAs around data‑center discussions have limited community input; supervisors said staff will prepare information and that future town halls and stakeholder meetings are planned as the county gathers analysis.
During the citizen‑comment period, multiple residents pressed the Board of Supervisors for more transparency and public engagement related to prospective data‑center development in Frederick County.
Willie Deutsch (Opekin District) told the board he and other residents perceived a process of limited notice and nondisclosure agreements that had not been made public. "There is a level of secrecy," he said, and urged proactive town halls and broader public outreach so the community can weigh in before decisions proceed.
Supervisor Dunn responded by condemning allegations that board members were being paid to take positions, calling such assertions false and harmful to public debate. He said he is "a strong advocate for everything being on the table" and supported public meetings that present both pros and cons and bring stakeholders—including landowners, environmental groups and industry representatives—into the discussion.
Why it matters: Data centers are large, long‑term land‑use decisions that can affect energy use, water, traffic and farmland. Residents asked the county to disclose the scope of any NDAs, improve notice for hearings and hold educational events before decisions are made.
Next steps: Board members said staff are compiling information and that the county will conduct public engagement after a cohesive package of analysis is available; supervisors encouraged town halls and stakeholder sessions.
