Taylor Frazier McCollum emerged as a prominent local activist opposing a proposed $5 billion data center development on the site of the former Landover Mall in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Located less than a mile from where she was living at the time, the project would have occupied more than 80 acres. After learning of the plans in 2024, McCollum created a petition that garnered over 25,000 signatures and mobilized community opposition through protests and advocacy efforts.
McCollum’s activism contributed to the imposition of multiple moratoriums on data center projects throughout the county, effectively blocking the development that was scheduled to begin between 2026 and 2027. Her efforts brought her to the forefront of local politics, leading to appearances at county meetings, testimony before Maryland legislators, and endorsements of political candidates. She joined a coalition of environmentalists, socialists, neighbors new to organizing, and residents concerned about utility costs. According to local environmental activist Staci Hartwell, McCollum’s grassroots approach succeeded where previous efforts to address data center development had struggled for years.
However, the pause on data center projects has raised concerns among some county officials about economic implications. Prince George’s County has faced recent setbacks including the closure of a local Six Flags facility, the NFL’s Washington Commanders’ announced relocation to Washington, D.C., and job losses among federal workers, creating a budget deficit for the jurisdiction. County Council Member Wanika Fisher, who supports moving some data center projects forward, has argued that the county requires economic development, though she acknowledged that data centers are not necessarily the only solution.
McCollum has continued her activism beyond the local level, taking her message to communities in Atlanta, Memphis, and Zambia through grants obtained by other advocates. She has proposed alternative uses for the Landover site, including a sports complex, affordable housing, or heritage tourism development. While some have encouraged her to run for elected office, McCollum has indicated she wants to address personal priorities first, including resolving debt and traffic tickets and securing stable housing for herself and her daughter before pursuing a political campaign.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI