Public Hearing 1 of 2 · Back Creek District
A 158-megawatt data center across the road from the Kernstown Battlefield. The HRAB and the Planning Commission said no. The draft ordinance is written as an approval.
The Board hears it only because the Sept 23 grandfathering resolution preserved the old ordinance for this application. Staff says megawatts were never disclosed; the applicant’s site assessment states 158 MW. The applicant’s noise addendum predicts 66–70 dB(A) daytime at two property lines, against a 65 dB(A) condition.
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Public Hearing 2 of 2 · Opequon District
The Planning Commission said no, 11-2. The proffers are now on their fifth version.
The fast schedule is tied to a $10.96 million state grant whose application describes a 300-acre project, not the 244 acres being rezoned. Frederick Water’s emails, released under FOIA, say “right out of the gate the project will use more sewer than is available.”
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Stonewall District
Off the agenda, but it’s not over yet.
Rezoning application REZ #04-26, filed by Equus / Executive Land Holdings IV for roughly 220 acres in Clear Brook, was withdrawn, according to Frederick County. No stated reason was given. Withdrawal is not a denial.
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Data Centers, Revisited
Under Frederick County Code § 165-602.01, a use that is not listed in a district is not, for that reason, a prohibited use. The fix is a clear prohibition, not removal.
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