More community members have come to the mic with dissatisfaction for both the possibility of data centers and the task force’s level of engagement with PG County residents.
Crowds here are chanting, “Let us talk.”
A microphone is now set up and dozens of community members have lined up to offer feedback.
The meeting was only planned to be a forum for written, small-group feedback. Task force members are not taking questions directly.
Darron Witten, a community member who says he has worked in data centers for 15 years, steps up to the mic in support of bringing the tech hubs to Landover.
He is booed as officials try to maintain control of the Q&A.
Blegay tells me energy consumption is currently the task force’s largest concern. She also said data centers would only create a handful of long-term jobs in Landover after construction.
Prince George’s County Councilmember Wala Blegay (right) on the potential tax revenue and local impact of data centers:
“We have a money issue [in this county]. … We want to make sure this is worth the squeeze.”
The PSL argued during its press conference that the ripple effects of data centers were largely negative, whether it be immense energy consumption, pollution or a misusing of local resources and funding.
In Landover this morning for the PG County Qualified Data Center Task Force’s community meeting, where officials will discuss the economic and environmental impacts of building data centers in the area.
I’ll have updates for @thelaurelindep.
Jessica Ek, a No Kings protestor, is dressed as T. rex to bring joy to the demonstration and because she thinks President Donald Trump is tyrannical, Ek said.
She also confirmed it is quite hot in the $40 costume she bought on Amazon.
In Laurel this morning covering the No Kings protest for @thelaurelindep.
Laurel Resist’s Amy Knox said there were over 300 RSVPs, four times as many as the June 14 protest. She said the actual number of attendees today could be closer to 1,000.
Follow along for updates.
In Audubon today as the Green Wave (South champs) host Bound Brook (Central champs) for the Group 1 softball state semifinals.
Action begins at 4. I’ll have coverage throughout for @HSSportsNJ.