Councilors:
We have an idea and respectfully request to present it to each of you in this inclusive format.
The idea? Renaming downtown’s Water Street to “Ogden Avenue” or “Nutting Way”.
Our reasons?
1. G. Ogden Nutting played an imperative role in the development of Heritage Port. In other words, without his influence and relationships with former U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd and former Congressman Alan Mollohan, those millions in pork politics would have gone elsewhere.
2. Before the demolition of the old Wharf Parking Garage in 1998 and the construction of Heritage Port in 2000-01, Water Street bustled during the day, but the roadway had a reputation for prostitution at night.
3. Heritage Port is only one example of Mr. Nutting’s contributions to the city but renaming Water Street to Nutting Avenue would accomplish two goals – honoring a man who definitely deserves it and beginning a new era of Wheeling’s waterfront.
We thank you for your attention to this suggestion.
Sincerely,
His Admirers
