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Public comment session spotlights data-center zoning, La Plata sewage concerns and calls for arts investment
Summary
Speakers urged stronger guardrails on data-center zoning (ZTA 25-187), raised alarms about sewage overflows from La Plata and called for more public-arts programming and support for schools; commissioners responded that the ZTA will be further refined and staff will brief the board on La Plata wastewater and water-supply planning.
During the evening public-comment period, residents raised a set of distinct concerns that drew responses from commissioners.
Patrice Thompson, a La Plata middle-school art teacher, urged greater investment in public art to address mental-health and community resilience needs. "Public art can play a meaningful role in this effort," Thompson said, asking the county to support arts programming for youth and broader community engagement.
Several speakers focused on land-use and infrastructure. Derek Terry said he found via a public-records request that the Capital Clubhouse holds a 25-year lease (began 2021) and asked how the county planned for economic growth without relying on extensive residential development. David Heidelbach raised long-term water-supply concerns and questioned closed-session negotiations related to water-supply projects.
Shelley Posey urged the board to reject or significantly tighten ZTA 25-187, the proposed data-center zoning amendment. Posey cited noise, air and water risks and asked for an independent technical task force: "Data centers generate low frequency sounds that can travel up to 3 miles... a 500 foot buffer does not offer protection," she said.
Yonel Moore Lee, immediate past chair of the Charles County Board of Education, thanked the commission for its support of public schools and urged continued investment in staff and programs to implement Maryland's education blueprint.
Commissioners responded that staff would provide additional briefings on La Plata wastewater and the county's water-supply planning, that the data-center ZTA will receive further study and guardrails, and that arts-district ideas are being considered as part of planning and zoning work.
