Council approves Clay School demolition, PODA ordinance
After years of discussion, the Clay School’s fate is sealed as council officially voted on its demolition Tuesday, Feb. 4.
WHEELING – The city of Wheeling held its regular business meeting Tuesday, Feb. 4, officially ending a years-long debate over a vacant former school building and adopting an ordinance that will be “another tool in the tool box” for local businesses.

The Clay School, located in the East Wheeling Neighborhood on 15th and Wood streets, will be torn down. This comes after years of debate on whether the property should be renovated or removed. Councilors unanimously adopted a resolution cementing the latter option, saying their goal is to “facilitate the potential construction of a community/recreation center at the site.”
Economic studies showed the cost of remodeling the aging, three-decades-vacant property could soar above $24 million, while demolition and new construction could cut costs. Council signaled for months their broad support for the building's demolition. “This is an exciting time for East Wheeling,” Mayor Denny Magruder said of the resolution.
Another discussion saw resolution at the body’s Tuesday meeting. An ordinance enacting Private Outdoor Designated Area, or PODA, was approved by members of council. The legislation will pave the way for a zone in the neighborhoods of Downtown and Center Wheeling where people can carry alcohol in PODA-designated cups outdoors and between businesses.
“This is my way to help our small businesses,” Councilor Ty Thorngate, the lead sponsor of PODA, said of the ordinance. The councilor noted businesses who have struggled with the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruptive Streetscape project. “Is it going to change the world? No, it’s not,” Thorngate said. “But it’s another tool…to create a better vibe for the city.”
Similar ordinances have been adopted in several other West Virginia cities, including Morgantown, Huntington, and Charleston. These cities report an increase in traffic in areas where PODA zones exist. At a previous meeting, Chief of Police Shawn Schwertfeger reported that cities with PODA have seen a slight increase in EMS calls.
Along with the PODA ordinance and Clay School resolution, council approved a $46,612 contract with Stephenson Auto Center of Danville, W.Va. for the purchase of a 2024 Dodge Ram pickup truck for the City’s Water Pollution Control Division.
During his manager’s report, City Manager Robert Herron updated members of council on several infrastructure projects anticipated in the city.
The city’s spring paving schedule could see a finalized list as early as next week, with an anticipated completion date at the end of May. There is flexibility built into contracts in case of extreme weather, which has defined the month of January for the city.
The low temperatures and heavy snow have further delayed work at the city’s fire department headquarters, Herron reported, but other aspects of the project are moving along. Outdoor work needed to be paused until warmer weather. Herron said the project could be complete within the next “few months.”
The city will see more water projects in the coming months, but necessary cost of service analyses are still being completed. Herron estimated that a proposal to council could come in late March or early April.
Dino Figaretti will represent Congressman Riley Moore in the region as his field representative. Figaretti spoke briefly to council, advising members they can reach out if the city needed assistance with grants or other issues. Figaretti worked with the now freshman congressman during Moore’s time as West Virginia State Treasurer.
During his mayor’s report, Magruder proclaimed Feb. 11 “211 Day” in honor of United Way’s 2-1-1 help line that connects participants to support, including housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and more. West Virginians can call the number 24/7 to learn about services they may need. Magruder asked city residents to learn more about the program in honor of his proclamation.
The city council will meet Tuesday, Feb. 18 for their next regular business meeting. At that time, ordinances totaling $146,640 will be discussed including the purchase of a records management system for the city’s police department and breathing air equipment and fire gear for the city’s fire department.