Are Hyperscale Data Centers Appropriate Within City Limits?

 

Are hyperscale data centers appropriate within City limits? Please submit your comments or attend. City Council Data Center Moratorium Work Session Thursday, October 8 at 6 pm — City Hall As you may know, the City has been considering allowing data center construction and operations through adoption of a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) proposed by the Trammell Crow Corporation and its attorney Bruce Dean. The City Council will hold a discussion about imposing a moratorium on hyperscale data centers at 6 PM on Thursday, October 8 — we urge you to attend the meeting, or submit e-comments on what is probably the most important decision the City has ever made. Feel free to address any of the suggestions below, or your own, next Thursday or in comments before the meeting — but please do weigh in. During an 18–24 month moratorium, at a minimum the following should be examined: The State’s Data Center Impact Study Report — due in December with an analysis of pros and cons of data centers in the state, including costs and benefits of the industry. Review of the City’s Land Management Code (LMC) defining what is and is not allowed within the City’s boundaries as light (M1) and heavy industrial (M2) zoning. Protections of land within the City that would likely be sacrificed to lay fibre optic cable and construction of additional high voltage transmission lines and substations. Development and future use of back-up power generation technology with low emissions that minimize documented public health illnesses from high emission diesel generators and gas turbines. Maximizing renewable energy power generation and battery storage capacities. Shifting data center cooling options to advanced technologies that minimize water use at data centers and power utilities, data center discharges of potentially toxic compounds, and data center campus storage of toxic chemicals on-site. Identifying fate of electronic waste (e-waste) and potential re-use/recycling regionally. Adoption and enforcement of more rigorous stormwater management requirements from MD’s Department of the Environment that can respond to the extreme precipitation events of the new climate. Determine new technologies to ensure maximum noise reduction below 50 decibels, as well as removal of tonal, low frequency continuous noise. Determine the appropriate distances from homes, schools, waterways, parks to protect people and animals from emissions and noise. Determine how to divide infrastructure expenses (power lines, roads, substations, etc.) so data centers pay their fair share. No Zoning Text Amendment should be passed, nor should staff or official meetings occur with data center representatives during a moratorium. A City-mandated moratorium would allow for comprehensive examination of these issues by City officials and staff, along with a committee of local and regional experts and residents committed to maintaining the character of the City, its projected residential growth and water demand, resident public health, and local environmental waterways and groundwater. PLEASE ATTEND, OR SUBMIT COMMENTS — FREDERICK’S FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS! What you can do Don’t be a passive observer. Write to express your opinion about hyperscale data centers within City limits. Please ask your friends and neighbors to do likewise. A data center hub in the City will affect all of us. Write to the City Council at: Council President, Cesar Diaz, cdiaz@cityoffrederickmd.gov Council Vice-President, Katie Nash, knash@cityoffrederickmd.gov Council Member Peter Brehm (Gas House Pike is within his district), pbrehm@cityoffrederickmd.gov Council Member Joe Atkins (Dearbought is within his district), jadkins@cityoffrederickmd.gov Council Member Libby Taylor, ltaylor@cityoffrederickmd.gov Council Member Derek Shakleford, dshackelford@cityoffrederickmd.gov Council Member Sarah Hemple Irani, shempelirani@cityoffrederickmd.gov

Please join the Citizens for Responsible Growth monthly email list by clicking here. See the CRG blog at: responsiblegrowthfrederick.com CRG is a grassroots coalition of Frederick residents who prioritize responsible growth, expanding infrastructure, and a functional natural environment. We advocate for development that accommodates projected population increases while fostering a strong and diverse community fabric and increasing economic opportunities. Our comprehensive approach emphasizes public safety, traffic mitigation, increasing school capacity, and housing for all members of our community. Many Frederick residents want to know — but cannot find — information about how to participate in discussions of important local issues. The City and County generally hold meetings from 3–10 p.m., making it impossible for most of us to attend meetings or weigh in on issues of interest. Our mission with this monthly newsletter is to highlight City and County activities so you can learn more and, with your limited time, weigh in on areas of growth and development, City and County policies, and other local activities. Occasionally, opinions or longer stories will be offered by knowledgeable experts/readers. We welcome suggestions for articles focused on specific topics. Contact Marge Rosensweig (marjorierosensweig@gmail.com), or Steve Jakubczyk (jakubczyksteven@gmail.com) for consideration of your issue. Check out our Facebook page! Find us on Instagram Reply to the post authors