Hagerstown annexation raises questions about proposed data center development

Hagerstown officials are moving forward with the proposed annexation of the Burkholder-McDade property, including land at 12440 Burkholder Lane that has been associated with Diversified Capital’s proposed Martin Farm data center. The project has been described as a potential 1-million-square-foot facility costing about $50 million and creating a projected 300 jobs, although construction and job creation are not guaranteed.

The timing of the annexation has drawn scrutiny because Washington County commissioners approved a one-year pause on data center projects on the same day the annexation application was reportedly filed. Hagerstown Rapid Response argues that annexation could allow the project to avoid the county moratorium and has raised questions about government transparency and private meetings with developer representatives. City officials will hold a public hearing on Oct. 27, while unresolved issues include jurisdiction over data center rules and potential water, sewer and other infrastructure requirements.