While the town continues to address abandoned and dilapidated structures, I commend others who are going forward with their own private demolition projects. The former EL Poca property is one such project. Still, in today’s society, no good deed goes unpunished. After months of planning, preparation and coordination, the work began last week at that site. Before the week was over, a bogus complaint was filed regarding the demo of that property and a state representative called the Town Office to confirm the demolition was being completed according to rules and regulations.
Bruce VanMeter, the municipal FPM/Building Inspector reported to me that he had received a call from DHHR who informed him that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) had received an anonymous complaint of “Air Quality” from the demolition of the (former) EL Poca Motel. In speaking to both agencies, the Town FPM/Building Inspector answered questions and concerns regarding proper permits and compliance for the demolition of structure.
Van Meter also informed me that all buildings that are condemned and scheduled for demolition, whether public or private, are tested by certified companies for asbestos. This is a paramount step in the demolition pro-cess. If a building tests positive for asbestos, it must be abated and reported to the DEP Air Quality Control office 10 days prior to the demolition. VanMeter said, ‘this is what I do. I am always out to protect our citizens in everything we do and assist our businesses in every way I can.”
The beautification of our amazing town is an on-going process. It is often a slow and cumbersome process which entails a lot of preparation, research and certifications. On the county level, the former county school board office was one such project. I started working on possible demolition funding after the 2016 flood, with the former WV Rise program. After that program’s demise in about 2018, Mike O’Brien and I pursued potential funding through a slum and blight program.
I commend the county commission and Region 4 staff for finally gaining the funding needed to see the old school board office being advertised for bid. Hopefully, by the time the kids return for a new school year, that whole area will have a fresh look about it.
With so many buildings going down, we need to see buildings going up. All officials, at this time, should try to understand and analyze the future housing needs of the community and plan accordingly.
The growing number of long-term rentals turning into Airbnbs, at the same time more and more retirees are looking to move from metropolitan areas to more rural areas, plus the already critical need for employee housing, has created a problem that must be addressed sooner rather than later.
