Thread by @JusticeHudson97

The @CityofWheeling #CityCouncil held its second and final meeting today, February 21, 2023! I report as a #folkreporter independently for the Hudson Household Editorial. This thread was made using @FolkReporters | @BlackByGodWV thread guide!

1/13

First thing to note: admittance to the City-County building often involves removing your belongings to be scanned, and walking through a medal detector. I was informed by an officer “no one is at post,” and this safety check was not conducted.

2/13

In attendance were Mayor Elliot @MayorWheeling, Rep Thalman @ViceMayorWhg, Rep @RosemaryKetchum, Rep Sklavounakis, and Rep Palmer. Rep @benseidler and Rep @t_thorngate were absent.

3/13

Mayor Elliott (@MayorWheeling) highlited success of @CityofWheeling’s Façade Grant program, which has awarded $800,000 to restore historic façades, and brought in $3.2 million in private investment to Wheeling. #supportlocal

4/13

A private, 4-story, mixed use building including condos will be built in a now-vacant lot downtown. @MayorWheeling Proclaimed Feb 23 in honor of the 200th anniversary of Henry Warwood’s birth, an influential man in Warwood, a Wheeling neighborhood #history

5/13

An ordinance to spend $27,000 for a private company to study the two-decade-long vacant Clay School in East Wheeling was discussed. Three members of the public spoke in favor of the study and supporting what it decides- restoration or demolition.

6/13

Mr. Jeff Johnson, a former Clay School attendee beginning in ‘92, spoke with me, saying the idea the site would become a parking lot was “unacceptable.” He said whatever happens the community needs support services incl. Health, Education, Financial Literacy, etc.

7/13

Rep Palmer spoke in opposition, fearing money would be spent but the project would stall. Rep Sklavounakis asked why the private company couldn’t absorb the cost. Rep Palmer asked to table discussion, but a motion to approve had already been put forward. Vote: 4-1, Palmer

8/13

For other ordinances passed unanimously 5-0. (1) $112,000 to Aster Oil Field for demolition with ARPA, (2) $240,000 for solar panels at Stone Building hosting @williamsleatag with TIF bonds, (3) no-parking zone on Lane B, (4) three “combat-wounded” parking spots.

9/13

.@ViceMayorWhg (Thalman) recognized Chuck Howley, Warwood native, admitted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Rep Sklavounakis and Rep. @RosemaryKetchum announced their ward meetings for the second Tuesday of March and February 25th, respectively.

10/13

City Manager Robert Herron announced the Aster Oil Field contract (mentioned above) was $70k under budget, the city has $200k to spend on more demolition, could afford 8-15 buildings. CM Herron commended the Water Pollution Control response to the EP derailment and spill.

11/13

.@MayorWheeling (Elliott) and CM Herron announced intentions for a bid to restore the #TunnelGreen by spring. Mayor Elliot brought up concerns about the water treatment, which often can be smelled across center market and south wheeling communities. TRUST ME ITS GROSS.

12/13

And they adjourned! For a more detailed look at the meeting consider checking out my main article here: open.substack.com/pub/thehudsone…

You can support the work I do by sharing and subscribing for free to my Substack! #folkreporters @FolkReporters #HudsonHousehold

13/13

@threadreaderapp do your thing for the folks and unroll this thread!