Panel Discusses Data Centers, Shepherdstown Discusses Street Closures
Published about 19 hours ago • 12 min read
Observer Weekly
April 2, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
We spent a lot of time focusing on data centers this past week. After an early morning announcement last Friday by Governor Morrisey that Google has purchased 1,700 acres for a data center in Putnam County WW, we spent the rest of the day tracking down the specific location of the project (a detail that seems to be lacking in the announcements so far). You can see the Observer’s map on our website.
We spent some time over the weekend talking with Berkeley County residents about their concerns with the Bedington data center, which we incorporated into the questions that were posed to the panelists at Tuesday’s Stubblefield Institute event on data centers (story below).
The topline takeaway from that event was that the community would be more comfortable with these data center projects if they knew there would be guardrails that took into account local concerns. With secrecy and speed baked into the current process for approving these projects, it’s easy to see how people are wondering if there are any guardrails at all.
— Steve Pearson
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The panel brought together four speakers with very different perspectives: Jefferson County Commissioner Cara Keys; Dr. Amy Margolies, Executive Director of Tucker United, a citizens' group formed in response to a proposed data center-related power project in Tucker County; Chris Morris, Director of West Virginia's new Data Economy Office; and Dado Slezak, Executive Vice President of Utility Innovation at QTS, one of the nation's largest data center operators with 90 data center buildings across the country.
What Kind of Data Centers Are We Talking About?
QTS’ Slezak offered a useful framework early in the discussion. There are three categories: micro data centers (not the focus here); enterprise data centers, which have long existed (including in West Virginia) to support organizations’ IT operations; and hyperscale data centers, which consume 300 megawatts to a gigawatt or more of power.
According to the Pew Research Center, the surge in demand for hyperscale data centers is driven in large part by the explosive growth of generative artificial intelligence (AI), which requires enormous computing power to train and run these AI models. States that produce more power than they consume — such as West Virginia — are natural candidates for this type of development, which explains the growing interest in the region.
What makes a specific location attractive for hyperscale development? According to Slezak, his company focuses on power availability, flat land, and a nearby workforce. Notably, proximity to fiber or internet infrastructure is less of a factor than many assume. For the Eastern Panhandle, the key constraint is power. Slezak noted that QTS doesn't begin active development until roughly two years before a facility is scheduled to open.
Transmission upgrades currently under consideration for the region — including the proposed “MARL” and “GDGC” high voltage line that would run from Pennsylvania through northern West Virginia to Virginia — could affect overall power availability in Jefferson County. There are currently no plans to place a substation in Jefferson County that could tap into that new line, but future data center projects could find it economically feasible to invest the millions of dollars it would take to expand the grid to use that power in Jefferson County.
Community Concerns Are Real — and Specific
Panelists — particularly Tucker United’s Margolies and Commissioner Keys — identified several community concerns: water use (particularly groundwater, which takes years to replenish once withdrawn), noise, air emissions, setbacks, and the loss of local control under HB 2014, the state legislation that created a certification process for High Impact Data Centers (HIDCs).
Margolies, whose organization has been trying — without success — to meet with Fundamental Data, the company behind a massive project in Tucker County, put it plainly: this is "private gain with public costs." She offered a pointed observation that drew a clear response from the audience: "We hear that West Virginia needs to power the digital future — but a lot of West Virginians aren't living in the digital present."
Commissioner Keys, a Republican, framed the need for more local control of data center development as a non-partisan issue.
The State's Role — and Gaps
WV Data Economy Office head Chris Morris shared that, seven months into building the Data Economy Office, the workload has been “overwhelming in a good way.” While he has had support from other state agencies, he has not yet hired any dedicated staff. He explained that his office has a 14-day window to review HIDC applications and recommend approval or denial to the Secretary of Commerce. He noted that certification as an HIDC does not replace other required permits, such as those for air and water. Notably, Morris confirmed that the Tucker County project — the focus of Tucker United's concerns — has not filed an application with his office.
Morris also outlined two initiatives his office is considering: issuing a “request for information”(RFI) to counties to identify sites where communities actually want data centers, and creating an advisory council to guide his office's work.
Most participants and audience members aligned with Commissioner Keys's position: support for data centers, but with guardrails. A small minority opposed data centers altogether; another smaller minority favored moving forward without delay. As Dr. Margolies put it, what's needed are “legally binding commitments, not intentions.” It remains to be seen whether the interest in amending HB 2014 will lead to action in next year’s legislative session in Charleston.
The panel discussion was recorded and is available to view online. The Observer has ongoing coverage of data center projects in West Virginia at ObserverWV.com.
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Shepherdstown Weighs Pedestrian Plaza For Market House
South King Street behind the Market House during the farmers market
A proposal to consider transforming the area around Shepherdstown's historic Market House into a pedestrian plaza took up the bulk of the discussion at the March 30 meeting of the Shepherdstown Public Works Committee.
Committee member Linus Bicker presented an “implementation strategy” for a phased conversion of the roadway surrounding the Market House into a flexible, pedestrian-friendly gathering space he described as "arts forward" — envisioned to host live music, outdoor theater, community art, and outdoor movies, with shaded seating and container gardens. Bicker outlined several goals for the project: improve pedestrian safety, create a welcoming community gathering space, and make the center of town more attractive for visitors and businesses alike.
Bicker said that the “implementation strategy” was drafted to support an application the Town submitted on March 4 to AARP for a Community Challenge Grant. That grant could provide funding to configure a temporary pedestrian plaza (a “pilot project”) to help evaluate the project design and provide guidance for a more permanent reconfiguration of the area. The Town expects a decision from AARP on the grant application by mid-May.
The pedestrian plaza project would close both sides of King Street beside the Market House and reserve approximately 60 feet to the rear of the building for pedestrian use. Following the pilot, the Town Council would evaluate results and decide whether to continue, expand to a Phase 2, or return the area to its current configuration.
The implementation strategy discussed at the Public Works Committee outlined a timeline that would complete a traffic study by June 1, hold a community workshop in mid-June, and launch a pilot on July 15.Bicker indicated that the compressed timeline of the pilot project was configured to be consistent with the AARP grant application. During the Public Works Committee discussion, Mayor Gatz questioned the Town’s ability to complete a formal traffic study (which he estimated would cost $35,000) prior to the proposed July start of the pilot project.
The implementation strategy document highlighted other concerns with the plan, including delivery truck access to the War Memorial building and nearby businesses. The owner of the Mecklenburg Inn, present at the meeting, voiced concern about ensuring continued delivery access to his establishment. Neighboring residents also expressed concern about the traffic flow on other streets with the closure of South King Street.
The Public Works Committee did not come to a resolution about how to proceed with the proposal other than to ask for a discussion at the April 8 Town Council meeting so that all of the council members could provide guidance before the Town commits to any next steps or funding.
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Make It Shepherdstown co-owner Amanda Berry works on a project
A new creative hub has opened in Shepherdstown. Make It Shepherdstown, a hands-on maker space, held its ribbon cutting on April 1. The studio is open to the public from 11 am to 7 pm, Thursday through Sunday, with access priced at $10 for one hour or $50 for a full day.
The space offers a 3D printer, sewing machines, and other tools, along with room to work on creative projects. Make It Shepherdstown is located at 109-B South Princess St in the space formerly occupied by Canvas Beauty.
“Welcome to Shepherdstown” Banner Contest — If you live, work, or go to school in Shepherdstown, the Town invites you to submit proposals for banners that the town can hang along its streets. Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from Shepherdstown’s historic heritage, arts and culture, community identity, natural environment, and its connection to the Potomac River. Selected artists will receive a $300 honorarium. Details about the contest are on the Shepherdstown.gov website. The deadline for entries is May 10.
Ranson gets to work — The City of Ranson is organizing two big community events in April. The Eastern Panhandle Career Fair will be at the Ranson Civic Center on Friday, April 17 from 1 to 5 pm. There are already two dozen employers signed up to interview candidates. The Community Clean Up Day will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 9 am to 1 pm. Individuals, families, and businesses are invited to assist with litter removal and general cleanup in several areas around the city. Volunteers should preregister (click here to sign up). For additional information, contact Debbie McClure at dmcclure@ransonwv.us or 304-724-3862.
Public input needed for transportation planning — The Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO) is conducting a survey to get residents’ input on priorities for road improvements, transit routes, sidewalks, traffic, bike paths, maintenance concerns, accessibility and mobility issues. The study area includes all of Jefferson County, along with Berkeley County and Washington County, MD. The survey results will help guide HEPMPO’s Long Range Transportation Plan that sets the regional priorities for highway, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian projects The survey (click here to begin) will be open from April 1 through April 30.
MEETINGS
The Governor issued a proclamation that all state Government offices will close at noon on Friday, April 2. Jefferson County and local municipalities will also close at noon on Friday.
The Jefferson County Commission has launched a new YouTube channel. The County plans to livestream all of its public meetings on this platform.
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Soil Health-to-Shelf Conference — Conference exploring soil health, sustainable agriculture, and local food systems, including a tasting event of Appalachian foods and sessions on marketing and selling locally grown and value-added products. Shepherd University Farm, 482 Billmyer Rd, Shepherdstown. Friday, April 3–Saturday, April 4. Free. Info…
First Friday in Shepherdstown: Art Crawl — Local galleries and shops will be open late with special displays and specials in downtown Shepherdstown - both German and South Princess Streets. Friday, April 3, 5 - 8 pm. Free. Info…
Film: Lost in Paris — Screening of a slapstick comedy set in Paris presented by the Shepherdstown Film Society. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, April 3, 7:30 pm. Pay-What-You-Can Tickets & Info…
St. Isidore Market (Special Time) — Weekly market featuring local vendors with adjusted morning hours. St. James Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Saturday, April 4, 8 - 11 am. Free. Info…
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny (Shepherdstown) — Community breakfast event with Easter Bunny appearance. Blue Moon Cafe, 200 East High St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, April 4, 8 - 11 am. Sponsored by the Centennial Lions Club. $
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny (Middleway) — Community breakfast with Easter Bunny and family activities. Middleway Volunteer Fire Company, 110 Dark Hill Rd, Kearneysville. Saturday, April 4, 9 - 11 am. Egg hunt at 11:30 am. $ Tickets & Info…
Art in the Park: The Bluebells of Virginius Island — Guided outdoor art experience with opportunities to paint spring wildflowers. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry. Saturday, April 4, 10 am. Reservations recommended. Free (with Park entrance fee). Info…
Easter Eggstravaganza — Family-friendly event featuring an Easter egg hunt and activities. Asbury Church, 4257 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown. Saturday, April 4, 12:30 - 3 pm. Egg hunt at 1 pm. Free. Info…
Contra Dance — Community dance event with live music and calling. War Memorial Building, 102 East German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, April 4, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Small Ensembles Concert — Performance by student ensembles from the Shepherd University music program. Shipley Recital Hall, Frank Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, April 7, 7:30 - 8:30 pm. Free. Info…
Piano Ensembles Concert — Performance featuring piano ensemble works by Shepherd University students. Shipley Recital Hall, Frank Center, 260 University Dr, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, April 8, 7:30 - 8:30 pm. Free. Info…
Civil War Talk: The U.S. Marine Corps’ Involvement in the Capture of John Brown — Historical lecture on the Marine Corps’ role at Harpers Ferry. Camp Hill United Methodist Church, 645 Washington St, Harpers Ferry. Wednesday, April 8, 7:30 pm (dinner at 6:30 pm by reservation). $ Tickets & Info…
Live Theater: Stupid f#%king Bird by Aaron Posner — Stage production of a modern re-imagining of Chekhov’s The Seagull. Presented by Shepherd University’s Contemporary Theater Studies at the Marinoff Theater, 62 West Campus Dr, Shepherdstown. Four performances: April 9, 10, and 11 (7:00 pm) and 12 (1:00 pm). $ Tickets & Info…
National Civil War Conference — Multi-day conference will explore battles that took place in West Virginia in the fall of 1862 including in Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown. Holiday Inn Martinsburg, 301 Foxcroft Ave, Martinsburg. Thursday, April 9–Saturday, April 11. $ Tickets & Info…
Ongoing
Shepherdstown Farmers Market — Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, and crafts. Behind the Market House, 100 South King St, Shepherdstown. Sundays, 9 am - 1 pm. Free. Info…
African Americans in the Shenandoah Valley & Inside Job: Staff Picks from the Collection — Exhibitions highlighting African American history in the Shenandoah Valley and curated staff selections from the museum’s collection. Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, 901 Amherst St, Winchester, VA. Ongoing through Sunday, April 5. $ Tickets & Info…
Cumberland Valley Artists — Exhibition showcasing works by local artists from the Cumberland Valley region. Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Dr, Hagerstown, MD. Ongoing through Sunday, April 26. Free. Info…
Spotlight — New Mural At County Commission Offices
The County Commission has installed a new mural outside of the main meeting room in the new county government building. The County commissioned the artwork as part of a state-wide project initiated by the West Virginia Department of Tourism last fall to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
The Jefferson County mural was created by artist Blake Wheeler with direction provided by a committee assembled by County Administrator Edwina Benites-LM. According to the committee records, the prominent image of Charles Washington at the left of the mural marks the beginning of the county’s history. To Washington’s right are images representing the civil war, set against the background of the Blue Ridge mountains. The central element illustrates the steamboat that James Rumsey designed and demonstrated on the Potomac River near Shepherdstown in 1787. The images on the right side of the mural depict scenes from present-day Jefferson County.
Each of West Virginia’s 55 counties received a $5,000 grant to develop and install a mural celebrating American history. The Department of Tourism plans to launch a statewide “art trail” later this spring to encourage tourists to visit these murals.
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.
