Hagerstown weighs annexation of 171 acres as most speakers oppose data center use
Hagerstown City Council is considering annexing 171.88 acres on Burkholder Lane and McDade Road, with a related zoning change from Washington County industrial zoning to Hagerstown industrial mixed-use zoning. Most speakers opposed the proposal because they fear it could enable a future data center and raise concerns about water, electricity, environmental impacts and transparency; a decision is expected Nov. 10.
The Hagerstown City Council held a three-hour public hearing on a proposal to annex two Washington County properties totaling 171.88 acres at 12440 Burkholder Lane and 12660 McDade Road. The proposal would bring the land into the city and change its zoning to Hagerstown’s industrial mixed-use classification. The annexation decision was held over until Nov. 10, after which an approval would take effect 45 days later.
Most speakers opposed the plan because they believe the properties could eventually be used for a data center, although officials emphasized that no specific development was under consideration. Residents raised concerns about water and wastewater capacity, electrical infrastructure, noise, environmental effects, property values and alleged lack of transparency in discussions involving Diversified Capital. Some residents requested a two-year pause on new data center applications, while supporters including the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and organized labor cited potential construction jobs and economic growth.
The Hagerstown Planning Commission recommended approval. The Maryland Department of Planning and Washington County planning officials said the proposed city zoning was generally consistent with the existing county industrial designation, but officials noted that water service to one property could require a growth-area exception or expansion. Any future data center would still need separate planning, zoning, permitting and infrastructure approvals.