Wheeling residents seek answers on proposed data center as council says no vote pending
Residents in Wheeling, West Virginia, are seeking answers regarding a proposed 10-megawatt data center project by Silicon Foundations. Despite community concerns and a public hearing, the City Council states there is currently no zoning change or related matter before them for a vote, as the transaction is between private entities. Residents expressed frustration over the perceived lack of engagement and desire for pre-emptive restrictions on data center development.
Residents of Wheeling, West Virginia, held a public hearing to discuss a proposed data center project, expressing frustration over what they perceive as a lack of engagement and concrete answers from the city council. Many council members invited to the hearing did not attend, with copies of their explanations taped to their reserved seats. Residents feel their requests for a town hall and answers are being met with silence and no definite information.
David Croft, representing Silicon Foundations, detailed the project, which would include a 10-megawatt data center and a manufacturing facility for modular data center units. He stated the manufacturing side would create about 30 long-term jobs and the data center five, operating with a closed-loop, gas-powered system.
Residents urged city leaders to consider implementing restrictions on data center development, citing actions taken by other communities nationwide. However, the two attending council members clarified that the property transaction is between private entities and there is currently no zoning change or other related matter before the council for a vote, thus no action can be taken at this time. They expressed efforts to understand the information but reiterated that without a specific item for a vote, a public hearing or official action is not feasible.