Planning Commission Workshop on Hood College, Winpenny Annexation, and Data Center Zoning - September 21, 2026

The Frederick Planning Commission held a workshop on September 21, 2026, to discuss three agenda items: a final site plan for Hood College's Hodson Hall, the annexation of the Winpenny II property, and a proposed zoning text amendment (ZTA) for critical digital infrastructure facilities (data centers). Commissioners reviewed applicant presentations, posed questions, and received staff and public input. No formal votes were taken; the commission will make recommendations to the City Council at future meetings.

Hood College, Hodson Hall (PC26-151FSI, PC26-152FSCB)

• Applicant Adtek presented a proposal for interior renovations and limited site improvements to enhance accessibility, infrastructure, and stormwater management, including a new concrete ramp, relocation of emergency generator and cooling tower, restriping parking to add five spaces, and a micro-bioretention facility.
• Commissioner Robey questioned a requested modification to reduce an access road from 15 feet to 11 feet, suggesting parallel parking instead of angled to maintain safety and maneuverability. The applicant agreed to consider the suggestion.
• Chair Strawson asked about light spillover from lighting modifications; the applicant confirmed zero foot candles at the adjacent residential property line and proposed redirecting lights. Staff requested a lighting plan demonstrating compliance.
• Staff noted that the forest conservation plan would be withdrawn because the limit of disturbance (13,000 sq ft) does not trigger requirements. Commissioner Temple inquired about piecemealing; staff acknowledged ongoing discussions with Hood College about an overall forest plan but found no issue with this minor change.
• No public comments were received.

Winpenny II Annexation (PC26-129ANX)

• Applicant Buckeye Winpenny II LLC seeks annexation of a 9-acre parcel adjacent to the previously annexed 79-acre Winpenny I project (316 residential units). The annexation primarily provides a second road access point and integrates the parcel into the larger development without adding density. All conditions from the original annexation agreement would apply.
• Commissioners expressed support for the connectivity. A historic home on the property will be preserved as a residence; staff requested a Maryland Inventory of Historic Places (MIHP) form to evaluate its significance before the next step.
• Commissioner Temple asked about historic preservation overlay; staff explained that the MIHP evaluation would inform future decisions, and the city's demolition review process already protects historic structures.
• Commissioner Robey inquired about community benefits; the applicant stated no new proffers beyond existing obligations but remained open to discussion during the process.
• No public comments were received.

Critical Digital Infrastructure Facility (PC25-626ZTA)

• Applicant Trammell Crow Company proposes a ZTA to add "critical digital infrastructure facilities" (data centers) as a permitted use in M1 and M2 zones, with restrictions including a minimum 75-acre parcel size, 1,000-foot setback from residential curtilage (increased from 500 feet), 2,000-foot setback from schools, noise limit of 55 dBA, groundwater cooling prohibition, LEED-equivalent design, and post-construction sound studies. The amendment would apply only to four parcels at Frederick Commerce Center.
• Staff noted the City Council is considering a potential moratorium on data centers (tentatively October 8, 2026 work session), but this does not affect the current workshop.
• Commissioner Temple disclosed his employment with Hanwa Data Centers and stated he would participate in discussion but recuse from voting on the ZTA, per ethics commission advice.
• Commissioners raised concerns: Commissioner Robey emphasized the need for a "stop button" to limit data centers, questioned water and power demands (suggesting limits like the county's), and highlighted low-frequency tonal noise. Commissioner Montes argued the use is incompatible with the comprehensive plan (citing land use, sustainability, water resources policies) and should not be permitted by right, supporting staff's recommendation for a floating zone instead. Chair Strawson noted missing information such as the State of Maryland impact study (delayed to late 2026), noise proofing, property value impacts, diesel storage setbacks (calling 100 feet insufficient), and compatibility with comprehensive plan Chapter 7.
• Staff reiterated their recommendation for a floating zone rather than by-right, citing the need for site-specific evaluation and future implications for M1 zoning.

Public Comments & Testimony (on ZTA only)

• 13 registered speakers and additional unscheduled speakers all opposed the ZTA. Key points: data centers threaten livability, consume excessive electricity and water, produce harmful noise and emissions (including low-frequency hum), and do not align with the city's comprehensive plan. Several called for a moratorium or permanent prohibition, referencing experiences in Virginia, Ireland, and other jurisdictions. One speaker (real estate broker) offered a balanced perspective, acknowledging the need for tax base but also the proximity to residential areas. Many noted that data centers are heavy industrial (M2) uses, not M1, and that the city should wait for the state impact study.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken; the workshop was for discussion and public input.
• For Hood College: The applicant will consider modifications to access road width and lighting. The forest plan will be withdrawn. The item will proceed to a hearing.
• For Winpenny II: The annexation process continues; the applicant will file an MIHP form for the historic home before the next public hearing.
• For the ZTA: The commission will deliberate and make a recommendation to the City Council at a future meeting. Commissioner Temple will recuse from voting. The City Council will consider a potential moratorium in October. Public comments will be included in the record.