My name is Jim Jennis and I live in the Back Creek district. I want to echo and amplify Mr. Platt's comments below. Having many years of experience in the information technology industry- both in the public and private sector I am very familiar with managing and maintaining large and hyper scale data centers for both federal government agencies and cloud computing providers. While the data center impact document provided to the committee contains a lot of pertinent information regarding data center requirements, in my opinion, it fails to adequately consider the long term impacts of opening up our county to data center development. I hope to attend Wednesday's meeting.
My name is Justin Platt, and I am a resident of the Stonewall Magisterial District. I am submitting public comment on Frederick County’s Data Center Land Use Review and fact sheet.
While I appreciate the neutral and informative nature of the document and recognize that data center development is increasingly treated as inevitable, I do not believe the fact sheet goes far enough to protect residential properties that directly border areas being considered for rezoning or future development. In the Stonewall District, residential property values, quality of life, and long-term viability are the first impacts felt when industrial-scale uses are introduced nearby.
Although the County may not be responsible for guaranteeing property values, it does have a responsibility to represent and protect its citizens through land use policy. Minimum buffers, screening, and setbacks are not sufficient when applied to facilities of this scale and intensity, particularly where established residential communities are immediately adjacent.
I am also concerned that the fact sheet is ambiguous regarding groundwater use. Data centers should not be permitted to use groundwater at any stage of development or operation. Residents on Jolene Drive, Timberlakes Drive, and nearby areas, including myself, rely entirely on private wells and have no practical protection if groundwater impacts occur. This concern is amplified by the proximity of the Woodside substation and the planned expansion of the Carmeuse quarry.
If residential wells are impacted by County-approved industrial development, the financial burden should not fall on homeowners. I respectfully urge the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors to pair this fact sheet with explicit protections for residential areas and groundwater resources within the Stonewall District.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment.
My name is Jim Jennis and I live in the Back Creek district. I want to echo and amplify Mr. Platt's comments below. Having many years of experience in the information technology industry- both in the public and private sector I am very familiar with managing and maintaining large and hyper scale data centers for both federal government agencies and cloud computing providers. While the data center impact document provided to the committee contains a lot of pertinent information regarding data center requirements, in my opinion, it fails to adequately consider the long term impacts of opening up our county to data center development. I hope to attend Wednesday's meeting.
My name is Justin Platt, and I am a resident of the Stonewall Magisterial District. I am submitting public comment on Frederick County’s Data Center Land Use Review and fact sheet.
While I appreciate the neutral and informative nature of the document and recognize that data center development is increasingly treated as inevitable, I do not believe the fact sheet goes far enough to protect residential properties that directly border areas being considered for rezoning or future development. In the Stonewall District, residential property values, quality of life, and long-term viability are the first impacts felt when industrial-scale uses are introduced nearby.
Although the County may not be responsible for guaranteeing property values, it does have a responsibility to represent and protect its citizens through land use policy. Minimum buffers, screening, and setbacks are not sufficient when applied to facilities of this scale and intensity, particularly where established residential communities are immediately adjacent.
I am also concerned that the fact sheet is ambiguous regarding groundwater use. Data centers should not be permitted to use groundwater at any stage of development or operation. Residents on Jolene Drive, Timberlakes Drive, and nearby areas, including myself, rely entirely on private wells and have no practical protection if groundwater impacts occur. This concern is amplified by the proximity of the Woodside substation and the planned expansion of the Carmeuse quarry.
If residential wells are impacted by County-approved industrial development, the financial burden should not fall on homeowners. I respectfully urge the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors to pair this fact sheet with explicit protections for residential areas and groundwater resources within the Stonewall District.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment.