WHEELING, W.Va. — Residents filled the Warwood Veterans’ Association building this week to discuss concerns surrounding a proposed data center project and what many described as a lack of local input in the approval process.
The town hall meeting drew community members from across the area, many of whom expressed worries about the potential impact the project could have on their neighborhoods and quality of life.
Among those attending was West Virginia Delegate Shawn Fluharty, who criticized state legislation that he says removed local authority over large development projects such as data centers.
Fluharty told attendees that decisions regarding data center development are now largely controlled at the state level, limiting the ability of local governments and residents to influence the process. He said residents’ frustrations are understandable given the reduced local oversight.
Community members raised a variety of concerns during the meeting, including potential noise levels, energy consumption, water usage, environmental impacts, and possible effects on nearby property values.
Several residents said they are seeking more information about the proposal and want greater transparency regarding the project’s potential impacts on the community.
Others voiced concerns about how a large-scale data center could affect daily life in Warwood, particularly for those living near the proposed site.
Questions also remain about the project’s future. Officials have not publicly identified a developer or confirmed whether construction will move forward. During the meeting, residents discussed reports regarding a possible company interest in the site, but no official announcement has been made.
As discussions continue, many residents said they plan to remain engaged and push for additional information about the proposal before any final decisions are made.
