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Residents urge moratorium, independent noise testing and transparency as data‑center debate grows
Summary
More than a dozen citizens raised concerns about data centers’ noise, water use, heat‑island effects, transparency around land deals, and the need for a moratorium or strong safeguards; the commission heard requests for a 1‑mile student safety zone and independent testing protocols.
During public comment, residents and local advocates expressed deep concerns about proposed data‑center development and county handling of the issue. Speakers requested slower, more transparent policymaking, independent environmental and noise studies, stronger setbacks from homes and schools, and financial assurances (decommissioning bonds).
Patrick Flaherty of Lusby urged the commission to delete data‑center language from the ordinance and to require environmental, traffic, noise and wetland studies before any reintroduction to the zoning code. Sherry Burton, speaking for Marley Run water and sewer consumers, pressed for clarity on connection fees and how cumulative demand from housing and large‑scale uses will affect ratepayers. Other commenters described field visits to noisy facilities, cited research on data‑center heat‑island effects and water consumption, and asked the commission to transmit their written proposals (including a suggested 1‑mile student safety zone) to the Board of County Commissioners for formal consideration.
Commissioners acknowledged the public concerns and included many of the public suggestions in their package of recommendations to the BOCC (independent testing, noise limits, grandfathering language and decommissioning plans).
