Montgomery County is actively considering policies that would shape whether, and how, large-scale data centers are developed here, after recent conditional use approvals raised questions about how such projects are reviewed in the absence of clear, data-center-specific standards. While often described as neutral infrastructure or “just warehouses,” these facilities bring profound implications for energy use, water, land use, the balance of power between corporate operators and local government, public process, and long-term governance. On February […]
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Montgomery County Deploys Robotics and Drone-Based Public Safety Programs
Overview Montgomery County has recently introduced two technology-driven public safety initiatives: the Parker security robot, deployed in 2025 as a pilot program in the Silver Spring Town Square garage, and the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program operated by Montgomery County Police, which launched in November 2023. These programs raise governance questions regarding transparency, data collection, public oversight, and the long-term expansion of digital surveillance infrastructure. Update (2026): The Parker security robot deployed in the […]
Continue readingBREAKING: 9 Groups + Mayor Sign Letter to @MoCoCouncilMD Calling for 1- Council to Follow MD Law, 2- Independent Investigation of Planning Board
This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: MC4T.org
Continue readingRacial Equity Social Justice Impact Statement Based Largely on Industry-Funded Report
The Council’s own staff, in its Racial Equity and Social Justice impact statement on ZTA 22-01, did not find that 22-01 would have a positive net impact on racial equity or social justice in the County. And that was after relying on a “report” that was “generously” supported by T-Mobile. At the same time, they noted that “if the reduced set back requirements for small cell towers authorized under ZTA 22-01 results in negative health […]
Continue readingResidents Testify in Unanimous Opposition to Cell Tower ZTA 22-01 at a Truncated Daytime Public Hearing
Archived Advocacy Notice (September 2022) This post was originally published during the 2022 review of ZTA 19-07. It reflects community calls for engagement during the public comment period. It is preserved here as part of the legislative history surrounding zoning amendments related to wireless infrastructure in Montgomery County. Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 22-01, Antenna on Existing Structure – Use StandardsTuesday, September 13, 2022, 1:30 – 2:30pm ZTA 22-01 lets carriers turn utility and light poles […]
Continue readingReflections on the FCC and the Telecommunications Act
This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: Council needs to stop reciting pro-wireless bias narratives that rubber-stamp and cheerlead the interests of telecom and their so-called demonstrations. What is preempted is an actual moratorium that’s specific to wireless –– for which Montgomery County is NOT GUILTY! What the County’s attorneys continue to advise Councilmembers cannot be squared […]
Continue readingThrive Montgomery 2050 accelerates deployment of 5G –– Tell the Council to Hit Pause –– and Add Equity
This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: We are sharing this August 16th article and Action Alert by Montgomery Countryside Alliance (mocoalliance.org) Thrive 2050: What it Says, What it Will Do, and Why We Have to Hit Pause OF NOTE related to the proliferation of close-proximity small cells from that article, please find this linked PDF: […]
Continue readingTakoma Park City Council Sends Letter Opposing the Passage of ZTA 19-07
The City Council has sent a letter to the Montgomery County Council opposing the passage of Zoning Text Amendment 19-07 (Telecommunications Towers – Limited Use) as currently drafted. “The City of Takoma Park wants every resident of Montgomery County to have equitable access to affordable broadband internet. However, everyone should have a voice in the planning process. This ZTA, as currently drafted, would cut municipalities and residents out of the planning and siting process for […]
Continue readingJan. 18th, 2022 Testimony for Montgomery County Council Hearings on Resolutions to Implement Rules and Fees Related to ZTA 19-07
Jan. 18th , 2022 Testimony for Montgomery County Council Hearings on Resolutions to Implement Rules and Fees Related to ZTA 19-07 Colleen Cordes, Takoma Park. Please reject both proposals to implement ZTA 19-07. Instead, immediately rescind ZTA 19-07. Don’t implement it while the FCC is in the midst of responding to its new court mandate to come up with a well-reasoned explanation for whatever exposure limits for wireless radiation it endorses. This should require the […]
Continue readingURGENT: OPPOSE CELL ANTENNAS IN FRONT OF OUR HOMES — STOP ZTA 19-07 – Sample Letters – Contact the Montgomery County Council Today!
Archived News (2019) This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: URGENT: OPPOSE CELL ANTENNAS IN FRONT OF OUR HOMES — STOP ZTA 19-07 – Contact the Montgomery County Council Today! — County Councilmember Hans Riemer has revived his 2019 proposal to let cell towers be built as close as 30 feet from our homes –– […]
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