Rules, Respect and 172 Acres: Councilman Aleshire Talks Decorum and Annexation on Drive at Five
Hagerstown City Councilmember Kristin B. Aleshire discussed public meeting rules and a proposed annexation of nearly 172 acres along Burkholder Lane. The property could host a data center, drawing opposition from residents who see the annexation as a potential way around Washington County's 12-month data center moratorium.
Hagerstown City Councilmember Kristin B. Aleshire said the city should preserve public participation while applying its meeting rules consistently. In an interview with Allison Trobaugh on News Talk 103.7 FM, Aleshire also addressed the proposed annexation of about 171.88 acres west of Hagerstown and the controversy surrounding public comments at an Oct. 27 hearing.
Most speakers at the hearing focused on the possibility of a data center on the Burkholder Lane property, which the owner has said is under consideration. Aleshire said the annexation and any future development should be evaluated separately, noting that the land is already designated for industrial mixed use in the county and has access to water and sewer service.
Washington County commissioners approved a 12-month moratorium on data center applications in June to study their potential effects and develop evaluation standards. Some residents characterized the proposed annexation as a way to avoid that moratorium, while Aleshire said annexation could allow the city to impose conditions on the property that would not be available through ordinary zoning.