FREDERICK, Md. – Members of the community are invited to participate in the next steps of the process on Frederick County’s proposed Critical Digital Infrastructure (CDI) Overlay Zone. This initiative will limit data center development to areas where infrastructure exists and restrict development to no more than one percent of the County’s total landmass.
“Residents have been clear that they are open to responsible data center development but will not tolerate the sprawl we’ve seen in northern Virginia. With our partners on the County Council, we responded to the community and regulated data centers more heavily than any other industry in Frederick County,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “We did it the Frederick County way – by being inclusive, collaborative, and innovative in our approach to this rapidly changing industry.”
“This County Council is working to prevent overdevelopment and preserve our quality of life. We are committed to avoiding sprawl while allowing a modern industry to invest in Frederick County,” said Council President Brad Young. “The upcoming workshop and hearing will give residents another opportunity to participate in this planning process.”
Workshop
The County Council will hold a workshop on the CDI Overlay Zone on Tuesday, December 2, at 5:30 p.m. in the first-floor hearing room at Winchester Hall, located at 12 E. Church Street in Frederick.
Public Hearing
The County Council will hold a public hearing on the Livable Frederick Master Plan and potential changes to the zoning map for the CDI Overlay Zone on Tuesday, December 16, at 5:30 p.m. in the first-floor hearing room at Winchester Hall. Members of the public will have the opportunity to provide comments on the comprehensive plan amendment and the CDI Overlay Zone, for a total of up to six minutes per speaker. For more information on participating, please visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Council.
Signage
Signs are being posted on and around properties affected by the CDI Overlay Zone. This includes properties in the existing proposal for the Overlay Zone and properties whose owners have requested rezoning. Signs are being posted along roadways and in areas where people can safely view them.
Individual Notices
Letters are being sent to property owners affected by the CDI Overlay Zone. These letters will provide information about changes that the County Council may consider, including potential changes to the Eastalco Community Growth Area, land use and zoning designations, water and sewer classifications, and the Priority Preservation Area and Rural Legacy Area maps.
Next Steps
After the December 16 public hearing, the County Council can vote to approve, amend, or reject the Planning Commission’s recommendations on the CDI Overlay Zone. The Council is not required to hold any additional hearings if they amend the recommendations.
After the Council finishes its work on the CDI Overlay Zone, the County will hold two community benefit listening sessions – one in Frederick and another in Adamstown. The public will be invited to participate in these sessions to provide suggestions and ideas for community benefits that can be derived from the data center industry. The County Executive will provide additional details about these sessions later in the process.
For additional information, please visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/DataCenters.
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CONTACT: Hope Morris
Communications Manager
Office of Communications and Public Engagement
301-600-2590