Halting the Data Center Was the First Step, Here’s What You Can Do Next

In recent weeks, momentum has shifted in Prince George’s County over the proposed data center at the former Landover Mall site. While the project isn’t dead yet, what once seemed like a done deal is now facing increasing scrutiny and community pushback. 

On September 15, County Executive Aisha Braveboy issued an executive order halting all permit approvals for new data centers—effectively freezing progress while a newly formed Qualified Data Center Task Force conducts a comprehensive review. 

Simultaneously, the County Council passed a resolution to pause reviews of future data center proposals until the task force completes recommendations.  

That delay was itself a response to powerful public pressure. At a task force meeting in Largo, hundreds of residents crowded hearing rooms and gathered outside the Landover site, with signs and petitions. The petition against the project has drawn over 25,000 signatures to date.  

But victory is far from certain. Proponents of the Brightseat Tech Park complex argue it could bring billions in tax revenue and economic stimulus. County officials say litigation is likely if data center developers feel their contracts or approvals are unfairly blocked.  

That’s why this moment matters. If the county ultimately allows a data center here, it must not be imposed as a monolithic, isolated campus—but integrated into a holistic vision for community development. Here’s how residents can push back: 

• Continue attending public hearings, speaking out, and submitting comments well before deadlines 

• Demand a “community benefits agreement” that ensures affordable housing, new retail, transit access, and public parks accompany any data center project 

• Advocate for strict standards on energy use, noise, water, and air quality—and independent monitoring 

• Push for zoning that limits “data center districts” and reserves land near major employment and transit hubs 

• Build coalitions across neighborhoods, labor unions, climate groups, and housing justice advocates 

The pause is a win—but the fight isn’t over. With public energy rising, now is the time to insist on a plan that doesn’t just tolerate data centers—but shapes them into catalysts for equitable development—and sets a standard for responsible data infrastructure across the nation. 

For a detailed look at GCHIC's vision for data centers, read our white paper.