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Residents urge action on train blockages and compressor-station safety; supervisors discuss data-center zoning
Summary
Public speakers raised safety concerns about long train blockages and a proposed compressor station in eastern Montgomery; board members clarified county zoning does not currently authorize data centers in unincorporated areas and discussed preparing legislative and planning responses.
During public address on Jan. 12, two residents urged the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors to address public-safety and intergovernmental concerns.
Wayman Pack told the board that recent long train stoppages and a planned natural gas compressor station could leave residents with limited egress and slow emergency response, calling the combination "a recipe for disaster" if a catastrophic accident occurred. He urged the county to seek alternative solutions and cited a wildlife overpass elsewhere as an example of large-scale mitigation.
Kelly Bridal asked the board to provide updates about the railroad crossing matter and also urged better collaboration between the county board and the school board following tensions during last spring’s budget discussions.
In board member reports that followed, Supervisor Grama said staff informally confirmed that Montgomery County’s zoning ordinance for unincorporated areas currently does not recognize "data center" as an allowed use, meaning data centers would not be permitted by right or by special use permit under current county rules; she said towns have separate zoning authority. Vice Chair Fidzikowski cautioned against demonizing data centers outright and urged the county to prepare zoning and policy options ahead of any proposal from outside developers. He also raised infrastructure concerns including recurring water-line breaks and lengthy train blockages that affect emergency access in parts of the county.
Board leaders said they will solicit feedback from staff and the planning commission and keep lines of communication open with legislators to preserve local land-use authority where possible.
