Maryland activist helps kill data center proposal despite economic needs that actually sort of made sense

Petition draws broad opposition

Frazier McCollum, known as “the Landover girl,” organized a Change.org petition against the proposed data center at the former mall site. WAMU reported that the project was valued at $5 billion and that her petition attracted more than 25,000 signatures.

The petition said the county had not informed residents about the project or addressed their concerns before approving it. Frazier McCollum said she opposed bringing diesel-generating and water-polluting facilities close to where people live and work.

County weighs economic concerns

Council Member Wanika Fisher told Frazier McCollum that the county’s economic future needed attention, WAMU reported. The county faces poor economic conditions, a budget deficit, declining tax revenue and job losses.

Debate extends beyond Maryland

Frazier McCollum’s father, Lacy McCollum Jr., compared her activism to the work of civil rights figures and described data centers as an issue involving rights to water, air and homes. He said he was afraid for his daughter but believed people like her were needed.

Frazier McCollum also raised concerns about environmental racism, saying Landover already has FedEx Field nearby. Separately, a $2 billion data center project in Tonawanda, New York, was blocked by a one-year state moratorium signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on July 14.