Rowan proposes three more data center buildings near Adamstown despite current moratorium
Two proposed buildings on Bauxite 2 and one on Bauxite 3 can continue through the county review process because the projects received key approvals before the current moratorium took effect.
HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW
Rowan Digital is proposing three additional data center buildings near Adamstown. Two would be located on Bauxite 2. One would be located on Bauxite 3. The project is expected to go before the Frederick County Planning Commission on Oct. 14. Both properties received APFO approval before June 15, 2025. Because of those earlier approvals, the projects are not subject to the current moratorium. Rowan says the proposal remains within already planned industrial acreage and does not expand the broader Eastalco footprint.
Rowan Digital is proposing three additional data center buildings on the former Eastalco campus near Adamstown.
The proposal would add two buildings on the Bauxite 2 site and one building on Bauxite 3, with the projects expected to come before the Frederick County Planning Commission on Oct. 14.
The notable issue is that the projects are not subject to Frederick County’s current moratorium on new data center applications.
According to the source material, both properties received Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance approval before June 15, 2025, allowing them to continue through the development-review process under the earlier approvals.
Frederick County’s Planning Commission reviews site plans, subdivisions and APFO determinations and makes recommendations on certain broader planning matters.
Rowan says the three proposed buildings would remain within industrially planned acreage already designated for development and would not expand the overall footprint of the former Eastalco property.
The proposal comes amid continued debate over data center development in Frederick County, including concerns about electricity demand, water use, noise, lighting and proximity to Carroll Manor Elementary School.
Those concerns are likely to remain central as the Planning Commission reviews the new buildings.
The next major step is expected to be the Oct. 14 Planning Commission meeting, where additional details about site design and infrastructure could become clearer.
WHAT IT MEANS
The county’s moratorium does not stop every data center project already moving through the pipeline.
Projects with earlier approvals can continue, which is why Rowan’s three proposed buildings remain active despite the current pause on newer applications.
The Planning Commission review should provide more detail on building size, infrastructure demand and mitigation requirements.
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