WHEELING, W.Va. — A large crowd filled Wheeling City Council chambers Tuesday evening, with many residents using the public comment portion of the meeting to express concerns about a proposed data center planned for the former Centre Foundry property in Warwood.

While council members heard comments on several topics, the proposed data center dominated the discussion as residents questioned the project’s potential impact on the community.

Those speaking before council raised concerns about issues including electrical and water infrastructure, environmental impacts, increased utility demands, and whether enough information has been shared with the public as the project moves forward.

Mayor Denny Magruder acknowledged the strong public interest in the proposal and said city officials are listening to residents’ concerns.

“We want to hear what people have to say,” Magruder said, noting that council members regularly speak with residents both publicly and privately. He added that while public meetings don’t always allow for in-depth conversations, the turnout demonstrates that people care deeply about the future of Wheeling.

Several residents urged city leaders to take a stronger stance on the proposed development. Among them was Warwood resident Polly Bark, who criticized what she described as a lack of transparency surrounding the project and called on council to adopt a formal resolution opposing data centers that could negatively affect neighborhoods or the environment.

Following the meeting, Magruder said many questions surrounding the project remain unanswered.

“We don’t have all the concrete data yet,” he said. “Council has many of the same concerns as residents, but we have to separate fact from speculation and continue gathering information before making decisions.”

The mayor also noted that the city does not have complete control over the property because it has already been sold to a private buyer. He said officials must carefully consider the legal aspects of the project as they continue reviewing available information.

In addition to the data center discussion, several residents used the meeting to voice ongoing concerns about flooding in the Elm Grove neighborhood. Magruder said the city continues working to identify long-term solutions to address the recurring issue.