Parkersburg URA approves land sale: Council passes final reading of bond issuance ordinance | News, Sports, Jobs

Parkersburg City Council President Mike Reynolds (center) calls a public hearing on an ordinance authorizing the issuance of up to $15 million in bonds to finance the construction of a new recreation center and fire station. Councilwoman Wendy Tuck and Councilman JR Carpenter listen. No one spoke at the hearing, and the ordinance passed 7-0. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

PARKERSBURG – Parkersburg City Council members on Tuesday approved the sale of a sought-after Seventh Street property to the Astorg family of car dealerships and also passed the final reading of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of bonds to finance the construction of a recreation center and fire station.

Acting as the urban renewal authority, council members, with two absences, voted 6-1 to accept Astorg’s $200,000 offer from six proposals for 1954 Seventh Street, the former site of the Economy Inn.

The company expects to spend $4 million to build a new Hyundai sales and service facility at the site, plus $200,000 for site preparation and $50,000 for planning. Tyler Astorg of the dealership said he believes the project will benefit the city in terms of property and other taxes, noting that when the company makes improvements here or in Charleston, they are often “tend towards Parkersburg” in terms of who does the work.

“I think a lot of jobs will be created locally,” he said.

The only other bidder to speak before the board on Tuesday was Aaron Read, a former council member and co-owner of Strong Tower Construction. He offered $125,000 for the property and proposed spending more than $1 million to build apartments that meet the area’s housing needs, along with a multi-purpose space for the community, businesses and retail.

Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce (right) answers a question about an ordinance authorizing the issuance of up to $15 million in bonds to fund the construction of a new recreation center and fire station as councilors JR Carpenter (left) and Chris Rexroad listen. The ordinance passed on final reading by a vote of 7-0. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

“It’s an opportunity to breathe new life into Seventh Street in a meaningful way,” he said.

Other bids ranged from $50,000 to $150,000 and suggested developments including restaurants, retail and residential space. The original offer of $75,000 came from Clayton Workman, owner of Monsters Bent Barbell. He bid $75,000 and wanted to use the site to expand his gym and host activities such as cornhole tournaments.

City Councilor Chris Rexroad said Astorg’s offer not only represents the highest amount of money up front, but he also believes it promises the greatest long-term economic benefit.

“I am less concerned about the sales price than about the potential tax revenue,” he said.

URA Chairman JR Carpenter cast the dissenting vote, pointing out that the city had spent over $800,000 to acquire the property and demolish the hotel that once stood there.

Parkersburg City Councilwoman Sharon Kuhl (center) asks bond attorney John Stump (left) a question about an ordinance authorizing the issuance of up to $15 million in bonds to finance the construction of a new recreation center and fire station. The ordinance passed 7-0 on final reading. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

“I have no problem waiting until we get a decent offer for it,” he said, describing the sale of the property for $200,000 as “Gift of $600,000.”

City Councilwoman Sharon Kuhl said the property was purchased and the hotel demolished because there was a safety issue and repeated calls by police and doctors.

“The safety of our citizens is more important than anything it costs,” she said. “We have the potential to get it (the money) back bit by bit every year.”

The vote on the bond issue took place during the regular council meeting, following a public hearing at which no one commented on the ordinance.

That would transfer ownership of the land on which the facilities would be built to the city’s Planning Commission, which would issue up to $15 million in municipal bonds to finance construction and equipment for the proposed 50,000-square-foot recreation center and a replacement for Fire Station 3. The city would lease the land back from the commission and use the money to pay off the bonds.

The ordinance passed by a 7-0 vote, with Councilwoman Jesse Cottrile and Councilman Zach Stanley absent. The locations of the projects are not listed in the ordinance. That information, as well as the exact amount of the bond issue, are expected to be added in a supplemental resolution in October, bond attorney John Stump said before the meeting.

The recreation center has been proposed since March 2023 as a replacement for the nearly 100-year-old gazebo in City Park, a plan that has drawn both support and opposition from the public. The City Council recently approved the purchase of a property in the 700 block of Briant Street for $50,000, although Parkersburg resident Cathy Whitlatch questioned that during the public forum portion of Tuesday’s meeting.

Whitlatch suggested the city consider a site at Seventh Street and Staunton Avenue because she believes there might be more room to maneuver a fire truck. Fire Chief Jason Matthews said at a previous meeting he and others tested the maneuverability of a fire truck at the new location. The site was also chosen because it is east of the existing Station 3 at 13th and Liberty streets, which improves response times in parts of the city, officials said. Staunton Avenue is to the west.