Middleway Residents Celebrate Rejection of Bottling Facility Proposal

Middleway Bottling Plant Rejected Unanimously By Planning Commission
West Virginia Public Broadcasting | Wednesday, March 12, 2025
By Jack Walker
The Planning Commission has unanimously rejected Sidewinder Enterprises’ revised proposal for the Mountain Pure Water Bottling Facility, following a lengthy public hearing in which 122 out of 125 citizens voiced significant concerns regarding water extraction, increased truck traffic, and the preservation of Middleway's historical integrity. This decision comes after months of community activism led by groups like Protect Middleway, reflecting the commitment of local residents to safeguard their environment and heritage in the Middleway Historic District near the historic village. The outcome highlights the ongoing conflict between development interests and community values in this rural area.