Development News for Morgantown, West Virginia

Councilmember Welling Reports on Paving Timelines, Grants, Downtown Development, and Policy Initiatives

Councilmember Welling shared updates from the Greenmont Neighborhood Association meeting, noting interest in nailing down a timeline for paving and seeking timelines for Greenmont lights and bridge construction. She announced work starting on a Mosaic grant, with applications due June 22nd, and encouraged participation. Welling is working on policy regarding a downtown business improvement district and reviewed the draft 2027 budget for the Morgantown Utility Board, which will include upcoming capital projects. She is also pursuing work on the airport authority and reasonable accommodations for fair housing and ADA, advocating for a formal policy to handle these requests. Welling regretted any disappointment regarding performance on 'article 153' and pledged to improve transparency and seek input.

Resident Voices Distrust in Council, Warns of Opposition if Conversion Therapy Ban is Compromised

Harrison York expressed appreciation for the council tabling the 'child torture ordinance' (conversion therapy ban amendment) but was shocked and disgusted by the initial capitulation on the issue. York stated the council's actions have eroded trust, questioning their effectiveness as lawmakers and moral beings. He emphasized that the council was elected to represent the interests of the people and protect marginalized individuals. York warned that if the council capitulates to 'fascist demands,' the people of Morgantown would be forced to fight the council as well, positioning themselves as allies in the fight against those trying to destroy the country.

City Recognizes Waste Workers, Celebrates Civil Service Milestones

The city manager announced Waste Litter Control and Recycling Workers Appreciation Week from June 15th to 28th, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the Solid Waste Authority and city staff, including public works and ambassadors, to recognize these workers. Additionally, various civil service milestones were announced: Lt. Phil Scott (Morgantown Police Department) celebrating 25 years, Mark Trump (MPD) 20 years, Joseph Bridge (MPD) 10 years, and Firefighter Chris Deberry (Morgantown Fire Department) 15 years. Meetings for the Ward Boundary Commission and Fire/Police Civil Service Commissions were also announced.

Councilmember Butcher Opposes White Nationalist Proclamation, Apologizes for Conversion Therapy Ban Handling

Councilmember Butcher addressed concerns about the proclamation read during public comment, stating her opposition due to its language reminiscent of white nationalism and finding it dangerous, particularly its conditional application of 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' She also apologized for the council's handling of the conversion therapy ban, admitting they treated it with unnecessary urgency and that the process was not ideal, though efforts are underway to find better solutions with legal assistance and community input. Butcher also mentioned the Evansdale Neighborhood Association's upcoming potluck on June 7th and requested an update on the airport runway project.