(9/2021) We received the census numbers back for growth in Frederick County. Not surprisingly for those of us that have been here a bit, Frederick County grew quite a bit over the past decade. In fact, it was the fastest growing County in Maryland from 2010-2020 adding 16% new residents.
The biggest challenge in the coming years is how to manage that growth within Frederick County. We are facing a tremendous demand from people who want to live and do business in Frederick County. It is a good position to be in. However, it comes with its own challenges.
We must continue to preserve our agricultural way of life. We have various state and local programs to preserve farmland. But it is more than that. We need to preserve what makes Frederick a unique and special community. How in the long run can we withstand these growth pressures?
One big economic development you may have heard some about is the coming of data centers to Frederick County. The big opportunity is on the grounds of what was formerly the Eastalco plant in southern Frederick County. A new startup is looking to build millions of square feet of datacenters on this parcel of land.
Datacenters are generally good for the county. They occupy land without a big impact. They do not require new schools, don’t generate much traffic, and are generally quiet neighbors. They pay their taxes and provide good jobs to local residents. There has been much discussion over this large tract of land since Eastalco closed the plant.
Many thought it was prime for more residential growth, or even a new urban center. I think these data centers could be the answer to what should happen with these properties. These data centers will house growing internet traffic, without adding to our vehicle traffic. They will provide revenue for our county to invest in public safety, schools, and tax reductions. Importantly, they will put Frederick County on the map for some of the world’s leading technology companies who will be invested in Frederick County’s future.
As the county faces these important growth decisions, the most important thing is hearing from the community. Local government matters and your voice really does count. Please participate in these processes going forward where the Council will be making big decisions that will help to shape Frederick County’s future for a generation.
