Residents pack council meeting to oppose data center at former Warwood foundry site
Wheeling, West Virginia residents packed a City Council meeting to express strong opposition and demand answers regarding a proposed data center by Silicon Foundation at the former Warwood foundry site. Residents criticized a perceived lack of transparency from both the company and city government. Mayor Denny Magruder confirmed Silicon Foundation's property purchase and stated the city plans to consult third-party experts before making any decisions.
Residents of Wheeling and Ohio County, West Virginia, filled the City Council chambers to voice their concerns and opposition regarding a proposed data center development by Silicon Foundation at the former Centre Foundry site in Warwood. Many attendees spoke directly to city officials and council members, criticizing what they described as a lack of transparency from both Silicon Foundation and the local government regarding the project. Speakers urged city leaders to ask more critical questions and explore options to prevent or limit data center construction within the community.
Mayor Denny Magruder confirmed that Silicon Foundation has purchased the property. He acknowledged that the city has met with the company and received some initial information, but emphasized the need for officials to gain a deeper understanding of the project's implications. Mayor Magruder stated that Wheeling plans to consult independent third-party experts on data centers to thoroughly evaluate the proposal before any decisions are made. He reiterated the city's commitment to gathering all facts to make the best possible decision for Wheeling residents.