Prince George’s residents demand action on snow delays, ICE policy, and data center plans

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. — Neighbors showed up to Prince George’s County community meeting Thursday night – to speak directly to county leadership about lingering problems with the winter storm…and other big issues facing the community. 

“I always visit my father – regularly, but I couldn’t because my street wasn’t plowed and it’s still not plowed,” said one speaker at Thursday’s Town Hall. 

With some citing delays in neighborhood snow plowing to frustrations about an overwhelmed 311 system. 

“I ask that you prepare better, respond better, so we can give residents the best services,” said Euniesha Davis. 

People also came with solutions about tracking work completed by crews. 

“Instead of just open and close – list as in progress,” said another community member. 

The council listened –  and agreed that things could have…and should have been better.

“I 100% agree that we have the responsibility with the county for oversight,” said Krystal Oriadha, County Council Chairman. 

But, snow wasn’t the only thing on people’s minds. 

During the open forum, several people raised concerns about ICE activity. The council doubled down that its agencies don’t work with ICE and that more protective legislation is coming. 

“Prince George’s County does not work with ICE. Full stop. Period,” said Councilman Wanika B. Fisher. 

The other topic that brought most people to the mic — data centers.

“While the current moratorium is a step, I’d like the council to ban hyperscale data centers,” said one community member who spoke during the meeting. 

Councilman Shayla Adams-Stafford says the county has seen a shift in development companies eyeing Prince George’s County for potential data center projects. 

“They have not even applied for a permit because the voice of the community has been so loud. We have said we don’t want them in residential areas,” said Adams-Stafford. 

County leaders say an after-action report is being put together to look into what went well and what went wrong. 

The County Chair even urged people to hold them accountable to that report when it’s done. The next town hall meeting is set for Friday at 6:00 p.m. at the Hillcrest Heights Community Center in Temple Hills.