SNOW HILL, Md. - Worcester County Commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on data centers and cable landing facilities while county staff develops updated zoning regulations for the emerging projects.
The moratorium temporarily prevents current and future proposals from advancing through the county approval process. Commissioners may extend the moratorium or end it before the one-year period expires.
The decision follows months of debate over a proposed Globalinx cable landing station near the Ocean City Municipal Airport. Worcester County staff previously determined that the proposed facility does not qualify as a public utility and is not permitted under the property’s current C-2 zoning designation.
Globalinx may continue appealing that determination through the county Board of Zoning Appeals. Commissioner Eric Fiori said that even if the company wins its appeal, the project would not be able to advance further while the moratorium remains in effect.
Fiori initially sought a permanent countywide ban on data centers and cable landing facilities. After other commissioners expressed hesitation about immediately prohibiting the projects, he proposed the temporary moratorium to give county staff and officials more time to study the issue.
Fiori said he is concerned about the amount of water, sewer capacity and land the facilities could require compared with the number of jobs and other economic benefits they may provide.
“We don’t have the resources to support them,” Fiori said. “We’re barely getting by on our water and sewer allocations as it is.”
Supporters of data centers and cable infrastructure argue that the projects can attract private investment, strengthen digital connectivity and generate additional tax revenue. Fiori disputed whether those benefits would outweigh the county’s potential infrastructure and environmental costs.
Opponents of the Globalinx proposal said they plan to use the moratorium period to present additional information about potential noise, air, water, light and wildlife impacts.
Wendie Green, a member of the Assateague Coastal Community Coalition, said the group hopes the county ultimately adopts a permanent ban.
“We would have to be convinced that this really is the simple building that they say it is, and we’re not,” Green said.
County staff will now work on zoning definitions and regulations for data centers and cable landing stations. Fiori said his own position is unlikely to change and that he continues to support prohibiting both types of facilities in Worcester County.
