It is more of an earned title than it is a slur.
“Island Rat.”
One could take such a term negatively since rats are technically rodents often exterminated, but not when it comes to an “Island Rat.”
“Interestingly enough, this label of ‘Island Rat’ is a highly coveted designation over here,” said Ben Seidler, the Council representative of Ward 2 and a resident of Wheeling Island. “It is typically reserved for those who grew up here and were long-time Island residents.”
The Councilman is correct, but that did not stop Seidler from purchasing his home along North Front Street and singing the praises of his community.
“The Island is a beautiful place and the homes here have an incredible amount of character,” he said. “We have some beautiful riverfront views, and we can typically (aside from interstate construction) be anywhere in the city we want within 5 minutes. “When we moved here, we were welcomed with open arms. We have a ton of great people and wonderful neighbors here. Not just on my street but all over the island.
“My love and appreciation for the Island really started when I began dating an Island girl back in high school, and I spent an incredible amount of time over here with her and her family,” Seidler explained. “As a resident, my appreciation has continued to grow. We have so many people out and about over here riding their bicycles or walking the loop around the Island to get in their exercise. It’s not often that I walk out my door without being greeted by a friendly face or meeting someone new. I love this place and the people here.”
A Walking, Talking Commercial
Soon after moving into his riverfront home, Seidler began to notice issues with trash, unkept rental and abandoned properties, and with criminal activity, and it was those concerns that led him to launch a campaign for City Council two years before Election Day 2020.
Not only did he receive the most votes, but he has been diligent with keeping the promises he made to residents on Wheeling Island, in North Wheeling, and in the Fulton neighborhoods. Plus, Seidler has become a top promoter for the areas in Ward 2, especially Wheeling Island.
“I love living on the Island. I love the people here; I love the character and charm; and I love that we can ride our bikes to the playground, marina, or pool,” he said. “I love that we have a place like House of the Carpenter that does so many incredible things and hosts so many incredible events and classes for our community.
“If you are in the market for a new home and you are not considering investing on Wheeling Island while looking at other neighborhoods in our city, please just consider taking a look here on Wheeling Island,” Seidler continued. “We are turning the corner on a brand new image for Wheeling Island. The old stigma is wearing off rapidly.”
Pros and Cons
It took a week in April, and one day after another piles of refuse were placed into dumpsters at the Wheeling Island Marina by employees with the City of Wheeling. Mattresses, old tires, playpens, broken strollers, couches, chairs, tables, windows, and a number of other discarded articles were removed during an operation, according to Seidler, that cost as much as $100,000.
His efforts were praised by the residents he represents, but Seidler is far from finished.
“The worst part about living on Wheeling Island is the slumlord mentality some property owners have, and the lack of property maintenance related to code enforcement and the drug problem,” he reported. “While there are so many beautiful homes over here, it only takes one or two on a block to really start to impact the quality of life and property values for the rest of the neighborhood, and I remain committed, with a fire beneath my rear end, to cleaning up those issues.”
Why? Well, because Seidler has developed a true appreciation for his neighbors.
“The best part of living on the Island is genuinely the people here. They will lend a hand, give the shirts off their backs without even a second thought,” Seidler said. “They step up to the plate to volunteer and get involved with our cleanup efforts, athletic association, community events, flood preparations and clean-up, neighborhood watch, looking out for each other; I could go on and on.
“They are resilient and dedicated to our neighborhood and genuinely want the best for this great community. Plus, I love living along the riverfront,” the Councilman explained. “We have a beautiful view and backyard that we can enjoy and have campfires that we can cook over, a tree swing, and fishing whenever want.”
Rare Promotion
So, is he an “Island Rat”?
Seidler has resided along North Front Street for five years, and he finished first on Election Day 2020 by 116 votes.
He attends the monthly Wheeling Island Association meetings, and he supports the businesses on the north and south ends. Seidler has battled with the state Division of Highways concerning the future of the Wheeling Suspension Bridge and the ongoing renovation of the Fort Henry Bridge.
And the Councilman has debated with his colleagues on several issues that impact the residents of Wheeling Island, as well.
So, is he?
“Both the current and former longtime ‘Island Rats’ are very careful about who they allow to hold that designation these days,” Seidler said. “I’ve been given the right of passage to carry the ‘Island Rat’ title by a number of great longtime Island Rats, and with that, I’m honored.
“I know it’s only been five years, but we have been through a lot, and I have done my very best to try to be there for not only Wheeling Island residents, but for all of them in Ward 2,” he added. “The reason I’m OK with having my cell phone number on the city website is because I wanted to be as accessible as possible, and the residents know I will respond to their concerns. That’s the way this is supposed to work.”
