Data center prospect drives debate over Hagerstown annexation
A landowner seeking to annex 171.88 acres into Hagerstown said a data center is under serious consideration, although no developer, end user or site plan has been identified. Residents raised concerns about water use, groundwater, noise, emissions and property values, while the city council will continue reviewing the annexation petition amid Washington County’s data center moratorium.
The Hagerstown City Council held more than three hours of public comment on a petition to annex 171.88 acres at 12440 Burkholder Lane and 12660 McDade Road. Moshe Rubin, chief financial officer of real estate investor Diversified Capital, said a data center is being seriously considered but emphasized that the company has no end user, site plan or commitment to that use. Cold storage, distribution and manufacturing are also possible options.
Most speakers opposed the annexation or urged the council to delay action, citing potential water consumption, groundwater contamination, noise, generator emissions and effects on property values. Supporters, including the Maryland Tech Council, building trades and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, highlighted projected jobs and tax revenue, though the estimates are based on industry norms rather than a specific project.
Washington County is under a 12-month moratorium on data center development while it studies potential impacts and regulatory changes. Council members expressed differing views, with some seeking conditions that would prohibit a data center until further study. The hearing record remains open for 10 days, and the council is scheduled to discuss the petition at a Nov. 10 work session.