“We made it!”
That’s a phrase likely exclaimed by many local government leaders after navigating unprecedented waters and diminishing tax returns for the 2020 calendar year.
It’s certainly the case in Martins Ferry, and now that East Ohio Regional Hospital’s reopening is on the horizon, the city’s financial situation is sure to improve.
That’s a lot of employees paying into the city’s income tax, as will the hospital. Even paying at the reduced rate approved by council that helped forge the way for the facility to be reopened, it’s more money than previously was coming in.
The facility’s water supply also comes from the city, further adding to the win-win scenario. It’s nearly time to say mission accomplished and for city leaders to turn their heads toward the next major task.
“When I first became mayor, we focused on the hospital and that’s coming to fruition real soon,” Mayor John Davies said.
Development is still at the forefront, but now it’s moving away from the hospital and focusing on other areas of town. The city’s received numerous inquiries, but it’s not looking at a problem coming from a different angle.
“We’ve had businesses inquire about downtown, but we actually don’t have that many storefronts open,” Davis admitted. “But we’re changing direction now and will begin focusing more on the industrial park, the downtown area, and others.”
New Marketing Method
What there is to market, Davies said the city is going to be promoting what’s available soon on a new web page. The city’s current website at www.martinsferry.org lists a development page. But Davies didn’t specify if this would be a separate website, or a new section on the city’s current location.
Davies wants to market properties available in the city, whether those are owned by the city, or outside entities owning commercial real estate in the city. The main goal is to bring additional businesses into town. It benefits all.
Davies also noted discussions were had with both state-level personnel and funding agencies about properties both in the industrial park as well as downtown. They are looking to maximize what’s offered and available.
“It’d be great if we had a bunch more storefronts because people are wanting to move in with no area to put them,” Davies said.
Without elaborating, Davies also said the hospital was already making inquiries about potential expansion opportunities.
Belmont Brewerks is one of a few new businesses to open in Martins Ferry in 2020. 
The new Dollar General location in the south end of town allows for more retail space, along with a parking lot.
A Win for All
Additional business in town aren’t just a win for the city and its coffers. It benefits all.
The city, county, or both can benefit from property taxes, sales tax, income tax, along with the added benefits of more workers in town needed food, gas, etc.
Businesses can benefit just as much as the city. Speaking of which, a number of businesses have opened their doors withing the city and flourished recently.
Eateries like Belmont Brew Works and the craft stores like the Wishing Well, which entered the former location of the Martins Ferry Chamber of Commerce, are doing well. As is the M & C Boutique.
The Dollar Tree recently opened near the park and Dollar General has successfully moved to its new location behind Kroger in the south end of town.
That does leave open the site of the former Dollar General along 4th street in downtown as one location ready for a new tenant. The same can be said for the Staffilino Chevrolet property. Davies previously noted that the city had explored the former auto dealer location for new offices for city government, but that was only exploratory for the time being. It’s still available for commercial use as well.
