Councilors hear Center Market redevelopment plan, pass several ordinances
The Wheeling City Council heard of future development projects and adopted several ordinances, including a rare ‘no’ vote, at their regular meeting Tuesday.
WHEELING, W.Va. – The Wheeling City Council held their regular business meeting on Tuesday, May 20, discussing several major projects throughout the city. As well, the body adopted ordinances further disbursing opioid settlement funds and repaving recreation facilities owned by the city, among others.
Center Market Redevelopment…
City Manager Robert Herron unveiled to members of council an artist’s depiction of an expansion to the Wheeling Police Department headquarters in the Center Wheeling neighborhood. The project would utilize roughly 30% of the former Center Wheeling parking garage, which was demolished last year due to structural concerns.
The plan would see a building housing a sally port, or a secured, controlled entryway, constructed adjacent to the headquarters. Officer vehicles would be parked on a service-level lot on the property as well.
The rest of the property would be made available for private development in an area of Center Market known for its historic market house, townhomes and churches. Across from the site is expected to be the West Virginia University Medicine regional cancer center announced three years ago. Herron said he hoped the private development would be “mixed-use” and support the area’s economic growth and historic presence.
Rare no-vote on opioid settlement funds…
Councilors adopted an ordinance disbursing $5,500 of the city’s opioid settlement funding to WTRF-7 News for a special by the media station regarding the opioid crisis in West Virginia. While no project proposal was submitted alongside the ordinance for public review, a source at the station says it will be similar in scope to a program, Saving a Generation, by WTRF and awarded opioid settlement funds last year.
Councilor Dave Palmer, Ward 6, cast the lone ‘no’ vote on that ordinance, a rare rebuke in a council that is largely unanimous in its decision making. Speaking to Wheeling Free Press after the meeting, Palmer said it was a “gut reaction” and added that he did not have proper time to review the proposal nor did he believe the city got “bang for its buck” with the station’s last opioid settlement disbursement.
Over $1.2 million in opioid settlement funds have been dispersed since last May when the city of Wheeling and other West Virginia municipalities began receiving funds from the West Virginia First Foundation. The vast majority of that funding–nearly 82 percent–has gone to the city’s police and fire departments.
Information about how applications are vetted, or how much funding the city has remaining, has been unclear. No formal application process for funds exists in Wheeling despite councilor’s guarantees last year that such a process would be created. At the same time, the small city of Moundsville launched an application process on their city’s website earlier this month.
A city under construction…
City Manager Herron announced several repair and replacement projects targeting city bridges. The work, undertaken by the state’s department of highways, will see bridges close beginning this year through 2029.
The Washington Avenue bridge, a vital connection between Wheeling’s Plesanton and Woodsdale neighborhoods, is first on the list and set to close this year. The Main Street and Schilling bridges will close in 2027, the Homestead Bridge in 2028 and the Baker Bridge in 2029.
Herron thanked city officials for investing “millions” into the city’s infrastructure. The bridges have been deemed in “poor” condition, but remain safe. No local funding match is required for the projects.
Rapid fire news…
The city’s finances appear in proper order according to Herron. With two months left in the fiscal year, the general fund is at $2.9 million and the budget stabilization fund at just over $5 million. Expenses match the year, while revenues soared $363,000 higher than last year.
Herron announced the city’s new mobile stage purchased with American Rescue Plan Act funds has been delivered and assembled. He believes it will be large enough to host major events in the city, including the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra’s Fourth of July concert, Oglebay’s concert series and Bluesfest.
Bids have been received for asbestos abatement at the Clay School. Council should see recommendations before them next month.
Councilor Ben Seidler, Ward 2, shared his concerns with street lights in his district and throughout the city. Currently, many lights are high-pressure sodium lights, but American Electric Power, who owns and operates the light poles, is working to change them to LED. Seidler said too many lights were out and asked if the city manager could request AEP do an area-wide sweep for changes. Citizens can contact AEP when street lights malfunction.
Councilor Connie Cain, Ward 3, says she will embark on a tour of her ward’s businesses this summer to check-in with owners and hear their recommendations for the city.
Mayor Denny Magruder said banners honoring Wheeling’s military veterans have been placed around town, offering thanks to the many people who helped make this “magnificent venture” a reality. Interested parties can purchase a memorial banner here.
Ordinances passed; Ordinances proposed…
A handful of ordinances were adopted Tuesday, including:
$5,500 in opioid settlement funds to WTRF-7 News,
$27,000 to Centrisys of Kenosha, Wis. for the rental of a centrifuge for the wastewater treatment plant. The plant’s centrifuge was damaged in last year’s flooding and bids for a replacement are not expected until this summer;
$210,961.50 to the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority for a steel rigging system at WesBanco Arena to improve safety and hopefully encourage more shows;
$67,2750 to Top Notch Landscaping and Supply LLC. of Wheeling for summer grass cutting services at three area cemeteries; and,
$35,002 of ARPA funds to Semper Fi Paving LLC. of Bridgeport, Ohio for the resurfacing of the pickleball courts in Elm Grove.
Councilors will reconvene on Tuesday, June 3 at 5:30 p.m.