OHIO VALLEY — Several major stories are developing across the Ohio Valley, including new restrictions on a proposed data center in Wheeling, opposition to a major West Virginia power line project and the cancellation of a Steubenville housing development following the discovery of human remains.
In Wheeling, city officials and Silicon Foundry Energy have signed a binding agreement barring a high-impact data center from being developed in Warwood. The agreement puts the company’s previous commitment in writing, according to City Manager Robert Herron. City Council could vote on the agreement Tuesday.
Meanwhile, staff with the West Virginia Public Service Commission are recommending that regulators reject the proposed Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link, a 107-mile high-voltage transmission line. Staff cited issues including a missed required landowner notice and errors involving projected rate impacts. More than 8,000 letters opposing the project have been submitted.
In Steubenville, plans for a senior housing development have been abandoned after human remains were discovered at the proposed site. Developer Woda Cooper Companies dropped the project after the property was determined to contain an old cemetery dating back to at least the 1880s. Mayor Ralph Petrella said the property will be secured, fenced and recognized as an active cemetery going forward.
Wellsville officials are also considering a potential change to the village’s emergency dispatch operations. Fire Chief Barry Podwel has proposed moving fire dispatching to Columbiana County, a change estimated to cost approximately $18,000 initially and nearly $5,000 annually. Police Chief Ed Wilson said the change would create a need for a separate police dispatcher, while Council President Martin Thorn said new radio equipment alone could cost about $80,000.
Another local event is approaching in Belmont County. The Wall That Heals is scheduled to arrive Oct. 1 and remain through Oct. 4. Organizers are inviting families of local Vietnam veterans to participate by helping carry panels bearing their loved ones’ names.
Those are among the latest headlines from across the Ohio Valley. River News will continue following these stories as additional information becomes available.
