WHEELING, W.Va. — A group of Warwood residents is taking its opposition to a proposed data center to court, seeking to prevent development of the former Centre Foundry & Machine Co. property along Route 2.
The residents filed a civil lawsuit in Ohio County Circuit Court against Silicon Foundry Energy LLC, requesting both temporary and permanent court orders to stop construction and operation of the proposed data center and energy technology campus.
The lawsuit challenges whether the development is permitted under the property’s existing industrial zoning. It also questions the constitutionality of certain provisions of West Virginia’s House Bill 2014, legislation governing data center development in the state.
Residents have raised concerns about how the facility could affect the surrounding neighborhood, including potential noise, air emissions, vibrations, increased lighting, stormwater runoff and flooding. The complaint also identifies concerns about electricity reliability, utility costs and nearby property values.
Silicon Foundry Energy LLC purchased the approximately 15-acre former industrial property for a reported $1.5 million. The company has discussed plans for a substantial investment in the site, along with potential employment opportunities.
However, the proposed redevelopment has faced opposition from residents who question whether a large-scale technology and energy facility is appropriate so close to their homes.
The lawsuit brings those concerns before the court, where questions surrounding zoning, state law and the project’s potential neighborhood impacts could determine whether development moves forward.
No court ruling has been reported in the information available to River News, and the residents’ allegations have not been established as findings of fact.
River News will continue following the legal proceedings and the future of the proposed Warwood development.
The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register — “Warwood Residents File Civil Suit to Stop Data Center Development,” Eric Ayres, July 23, 2026.
WV MetroNews — July 8, 2026, coverage of the proposed Warwood data center and community concerns.
