Proposed Data Center Development: Public Hearing Tomorrow

A decision about nearly 172 acres of land could have lasting implications for Hagerstown and Washington County.

On Tuesday, October 27 at 7:00 PM, the Hagerstown Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing on a petition to annex property along Burkholder Lane and McDade Road into the city.

The property has been linked to potential data center development, raising questions about water and electricity demands, infrastructure costs, land use and public accountability.

After months of closed-door meetings with local officials and the use of nondisclosure agreements, representatives of the development company are expected to appear publicly to present information about their plans for the property.

Washington County Indivisible opposes the proposed data center development and is calling for a strong public turnout at this hearing. WCI wants developers and city officials to understand the depth of community opposition and the expectation that residents will remain involved and scrutinize the proposal at every stage.

Why does annexation matter? Washington County currently has a moratorium on data center applications in unincorporated areas. If the property is annexed, the City of Hagerstown would generally assume responsibility for its zoning and land-use decisions.

Important questions remain about the property's future use and the implications for the surrounding community.

Public Hearing: Tuesday, October 27 | 7 PM​
Hagerstown City Hall, Council Chambers
1 E. Franklin St., Hagerstown

Residents can attend the hearing and offer public testimony, but you MUST sign up tonight by 7:00 PM — 24 hours before the meeting using this link. You will be limited to three minutes to address the council.

This is an opportunity to hear information firsthand, ask questions and make community concerns part of the public record.

Learn more: Read the background investigation from Hagerstown Rapid Response.