This news release is a few days premature, however, I feel compelled to inform the public as to why the Town has been mowing a lot of private property – specifically, the green lot across the street from the old Fas-Chek building, on Third Avenue.
The current owners have been in possession of this property for several years. Since then, without charge, they have allowed the Pioneer Days Flea Market to use this area year after year. At one-point, significant ruts were left in the lot after vendors used it. Another year brought other issues. At that time, I dealt with what could have been a very contentious situation. To continue use of the property, I have regularly communicated with the owners. Again, with certain conditions, the owners allowed us to use their private property.
Now, as it turns out, the Town of Marlinton, Pioneer Days, the Opera House, and coming soon, Discovery Junction, are all soon to become the beneficiaries of this property. With the intentions of helping Marlinton to prosper, the property owners have decided to donate this property for the benefit of the Town. This couple is to be commended, but they desire no recognition. They have been great neighbors and will continue to be friends of Marlinton.
IN OTHER NEWS
School is out. Watch for children playing during the day. Keep an eye out for more than the normal number of bicycles during the daytime hours. As a matter of fact, we received the report of a near-miss last Thursday on the corner at the post office. It brought up the subject of Bicycle Safety and Town Ordinances.
Marlinton has such an ordinance. It is based upon Chapter 17 of the West Virginia State Code. All bicycle operators and passengers, under the age of 15 years, are required to wear approved protective helmets while riding on any public roads, paths or other public rights-of-way of this State. This includes the Greenbrier River Trail.
Also, it is illegal to operate any pedal-driven vehicles upon any sidewalk within the Town.