Data Center Opponents Say MOU Is Not Enough
Wheeling City Council approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Silicon Foundry Energy LLC for a data center project, despite significant community opposition. The MOU aims to keep the data center's capacity below 90 megawatts to ensure local regulatory control and allow for a Tax Increment Financing District. Opponents urged a moratorium, citing concerns about noise, utility strain, pollution, and property values.
Wheeling City Council voted 6-1 to approve a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Silicon Foundry Energy LLC, clearing a path for a proposed data center in the Warwood section of Wheeling, West Virginia. The decision was met with fervent opposition from dozens of citizens during Tuesday night's meeting, who urged the council to reject the agreement and implement a moratorium on data center development.
The MOU is designed to limit Silicon Foundry's data center to below 90 megawatts, a threshold established by W.Va. House Bill 2014, which mandates state certification for larger facilities. By staying under this limit, the city aims to retain local regulatory jurisdiction. The agreement also facilitates the creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District in Warwood, with Silicon Foundry committing to compensate the city for any lost tax revenue should it exceed the 90-megawatt capacity. Opponents, including residents Andrew Mull, Liz Stephens, Aiden Kosol, and Megan Ondeck, voiced deep distrust of Silicon Foundry and questioned the MOU's effectiveness, citing concerns over potential noise, water pollution, utility grid strain, and adverse impacts on property values. They repeatedly called for a moratorium, arguing the city possesses the legal grounds to enact one, contrary to officials' claims.
Councilman Tony Assaro, representing Warwood, cast the sole dissenting vote, aligning with his constituents and acknowledging their concerns, though he conceded the MOU offered some