Unanimously, the members of the Wheeling Planning Commission rejected a plan for a mixed-use village after years of deliberation and months of delayed debate in 2020. The plan called for a 50-acre piece of flat land on which to construct everything from townhouses, large homes, and commercial businesses like a grocery store to a restaurant or two and maybe even a fitness gym.
Mayor Glenn Elliott and the city’s six council members should address the proposal during the next regular meeting scheduled for Nov. 17, and that is because of perception. The Woodsdale hilltop project has been in the news for more than six years, and the development has received significant support and an onslaught of criticism.
While some concentrated on the potential B&O tax collection, the convenient style of living realized by millions across the country, and the job growth, nearby neighbors have claimed that destruction has been caused by the lumbering that took place a half-decade ago.
Let’s clear the air and hear from the mayor and members of Council about the reasons why this proposed economic development project has not been addressed during a regular meeting, but the proposal for the corner of National Road and Locust Avenue was an agenda item back in March. The bank branch that was supposed to replace an abandoned, dilapidated church at least received a Council vote, but the GC&P Development’s village?
At least explain your stance during the comments item on the agenda because the seven of you now are perceived to be anti-economic development at a time when population continues to decline, and the remaining citizens are trapped inside a pandemic and searching for a sign that status quo is NOT good enough. Those who know that economic development remains a priority to the city’s elected officials believe you should reaffirm that position as soon as possible.
