The Observer spent a lot of time in Bedington this past week, getting the lay of the land around the new data center project. There are a lot of unanswered questions but we were able to get a good sense of where the project might end up (see our map below). More to come as we keep digging into this.
We thought we’d be reporting on the state budget this week, but that process seems poised for a few more rounds before the numbers are finalized. Watch next week’s issue for a Charleston update as the legislature winds down to recess on March 14.
Clocks “spring forward” this weekend. As you check the time (and your smoke alarm batteries), consider sharing this email with your neighbors who may not receive The Observer Weekly.
— Steve Pearson
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A Look At The Planned Data Center Site In Bedington
The Observer's estimate of the planned data center site
The Observer has compiled a map showing the area of the planned data center project near Bedington, West Virginia. The map (image above) is based on our field research and interviews with residents.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the project during a press conference in Charleston on February 26. Penzance, a Washington D.C.-based real estate investment, management and development company, was introduced as the project developer. The Governor ballparked the project at $4 billion for Penzance to construct 1.9 million square feet of buildings on the 548 acre site, with a total demand for 600 megawatts of power capacity. The Governor also said the project is self-funded, with no state investment.
Berkeley County officials expressed support for the economic impact of the data center project, but noted that local government agencies, including the Berkeley County Commission and Berkeley County Planning Commission, have no oversight of this project under the new rules West Virginia issued to implement the 2025 HB 2014 legislation.
Based on the description provided during the February 26 press conference, the project will occupy several parcels of land located near the intersection of Berkeley Station, Scrabble, and Bedington roads, just east of Potomac Edison’s Bedington 500/128 KV substation. On the map above, the data center project parcels are shaded in gray and the Potomac Edison property is shaded in dark blue.
The map also shows the flood risk zones that cover a significant portion of the planned project site. These flood zones are adjacent to the Opequon Creek, Hoke Run and several unnamed tributaries that flow into these streams.
The village of Bedington is located at the top of the map, along Beddington Road. There are also two clusters of residences to the east of the village that are not included in the project site.
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Ranson Council Talks About 5K, Budgets, and Growth Plan
The Ranson City Council kicked off its March 3 meeting with a preview of the upcoming Ranson Race 5K and Health & Wellness Fair. Councilmember Jaelyn Wratchford reported that there were 197 registration for the race as of Tuesday afternoon. She noted that the goal had been to have at least 100 participants, so everyone was very pleased with the response. Registration for the race will remain open until Saturday morning. The health fair will open at 10 am at the Civic Center (432 West 2nd Ave, Ranson) and the race will begin at 11. There will be rolling street closures along Fairfax Boulevard between 11 and noon.
The City’s Finance Director, Breanna Andrews presented the revised budget for fiscal year 2027 (begins July 1 2026). The council expects to take a final vote on the budget at its next meeting on March 17.
A Dead End For Cranes Lane Project
The remainder of the meeting was taken up with a two hour public hearing about a proposed rezoning of 125 acres located off of Cranes Lane. After the public comment was finished, the applicant’s engineer, Mark Dyck of Integrity Federal Services, suggested tabling the proposal. The council did not support that request and Brooke Perry, also of Integrity Federal Services, gave a brief presentation requesting support for the rezoning.
During their discussion, the council members focused on the road access to the site. Council member Jaden Bound noted that the city’s Planning Commission had not supported the zoning change and concluded that the area was not “poised for development at this time” before he made a motion that the Council reject the rezoning request. The vote was 4 to 1, so the property will remain zoned as “rural reserve” for now.
A message from the Jefferson County CVB
Drink. Eat. Repeat.
Jefferson County Restaurant Week March 1-8
Join us for a week of delicious dining experiences, price-fix menus, and unbeatable specials and deals at your favorite local spots. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for a great meal, there's something for everyone!
Check out the CURRENT list of participating restaurants and start planning your culinary adventure at WhereAlmostHeavenBegins.com.
Don't miss out on this tasty event — mark your calendars and invite your friends!
A message from the Shepherdstown Opera House
2026 Shepherdstown Palestine Film Festival
Presented with support from the Eastern Panhandle T.E.A.M. (Together Educating and Advocating for Peace in the Middle East) which is organizing panel discussions and other post-film discussion opportunities. Three New Award-Winning Films:
Daylight Savings Time Starts This Weekend — The time change begins at 2 am on Sunday, March 8 when the clocks spring forward one hour. The Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management reminds us that it’s a good time to replace smoke alarm batteries.
JCCM Meet & Greet March 7 — Jefferson County Community Ministries invites members of the public to join them for free coffee (provided by Sibling Coffee Roasters) at the Charles Town Library on March 7, between 10:00 and 11:30 am. Staff members will be on hand to explain how JCCM helps our neighbors throughout the county.
Grants Available For Local Groups — The Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation (EWVCF) will begin accepting grant applications between March 9 and March 30 for three grant programs with awards later this spring. The Housing Action Fund provides grants to organizations tackling homelessness and affordable housing. The Kings Daughter Senior Citizens Charitable Fund will award grants to programs providing services to seniors. The Helen Parker Willard Fund will award grants to Jefferson County-based historic cemeteries. For requirements and application information, visit EWVCF.org.
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Ice Skating — Free ice skating provided by Shepherdstown Rotary with donations accepted to benefit CASA of the Eastern Panhandle. Behind the Market House, 100 South King St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Mar 6, 4 - 7 pm; Saturday, Mar 7, 10 am - 4 pm; Sunday, Mar 8, 10 am - 4 pm. Free. Info…
Shepherdstown First Friday — March’s First Friday features ice skating on temporary ice rink (see above), Restaurant Week specials, and downtown shops open later hours. Downtown Shepherdstown. Friday, Mar 6, 5 - 8 pm. Free. Info…
Film: My 20th Century — Screening of Ildikó Enyedi’s award-winning Hungarian film presented by the Shepherdstown Film Society. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Mar 6, 7:30 pm. Pay-What-You-Can ($10 suggested). Tickets & Info…
Ranson 5K Race & Wellness Fair — Community race and wellness fair featuring local health resources and activities. Ranson Civic Center, 432 East 2nd Ave, Ranson. Saturday, Mar 7, 10 am - 5 pm. Info…
Lecture: Kate Field and the Rescue of John Brown’s Fort — Talk exploring journalist Kate Field’s role in preserving John Brown’s Fort in the late 19th century. Mather Training Center, 51 Mather Dr, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, Mar 7, 2 pm. Reservation requested. Sponsored by the Harpers Ferry Park Association. Free. Info…
Film: Privacy People — Documentary on privacy in the digital age followed by a discussion with the director and a panel of experts. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Mar 7, 2 pm. Pay-What-You-Can ($15 suggested). Tickets & Info…
Contra Dance — Traditional contra dancing with live music and calling for dancers of all levels. Shepherdstown Community Club, 102 East German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Mar 7, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
20th Annual Drag Show: Out of This World — Student-organized drag performance and silent auction celebrating creativity and community. Shepherd University Student Center Storer Ballroom, 210 North King St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Mar 7, 7 - 10 pm. 18+ Free with donations accepted to benefit a designated charity. Info…
Salon Series: Two Rivers Trio — Chamber music performance presented as part of Shepherd University’s Salon Series supported by Jefferson Security Bank. Shipley Recital Hall in the Frank Arts Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Mar 10, 7:30 pm. Free. Info…
Community CPR & Stop the Bleed — Training session covering CPR basics and emergency bleeding control techniques. Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency, 419 Sixteenth Ave, Ranson. Tuesday, Mar 10, 6 pm. Info…
Story Artist: Laura Simms — Performance by internationally known storyteller presented by the Speak Story Series. Byrd Center at Shepherd University, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Mar 10, 7:30 pm. Presented by Speak Story Series. $ Tickets & Info…
The Incredible Odyssey of Sergeant Nicholas Said — Historical presentation by author Dean Calbreath on the remarkable life of the African traveler, linguist, and Civil War soldier. Presented by Harpers Ferry Civil War Round Table. Camp Hill Church, 645 Washington St, Harpers Ferry. Wednesday, Mar 11, 7:30 pm. Free. To join optional 6:30 pm dinner (for a fee), email paigehfcwrt@gmail.com by March 7.
Film: Arctic Alchemy — Documentary screening examining climate science and Arctic ecosystems followed by a discussion. NCTC Auditorium, 698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown. Thursday, Mar 12, 7 pm. No reservations required. Discussion following the film. Free. Info…
Lecture: Civilian Conservation Corps at Gettysburg — Talk exploring the history and impact of the CCC at Gettysburg National Military Park. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Thursday, Mar 12, 7 - 8 pm. Free admission (drinks and popcorn/candy for sale). Info…
American Conservation Film Festival — Multi-day festival featuring environmental and conservation films from around the world. Frank Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. March 12–15, times vary. $ Tickets & Info…
Ongoing
Art Exhibit: The Audacity of the Mundane — Photography by Charlee Brodsky. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Exhibit runs until Mar 31. Free. Info…
St. Isidore Market — Community market offering locally produced food and goods. St. James Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
Shaun Pacetti is ready to assist with voter registration requests.
Jefferson County Clerk Jackie Shadle and Deputy Clerk Nikki Painter were eager to welcome visitors to their new offices in Jefferson County’s administration building at 393 North Lawrence Street earlier this week.
The elections and finance divisions of the Clerk’s office are the first offices to open to the public in the new building. Voter registration services are available in-person at the new building (image above) or online via the WV Secretary of State.
Filling Up 393 North Lawrence Building
According to a schedule presented to the County Commission at the beginning of the year, the county expects to fully occupy the 292 North Lawrence Street building by the end of 2026.
The County Commission received word last week that it was awarded a Congressionally Directed Funding award of $343,000 to support upgrades to the 393 North Lawrence Street building to accommodate the Health Department.
Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.
