Several developments are making headlines across the Ohio Valley, including funding proposals in Wheeling, preservation work in Weirton and delays affecting two Steubenville projects.
Wheeling City Council gave first-reading approval Tuesday to two funding measures. One proposal would allocate more than $95,000 for stormwater design and engineering work at Elm Terrace, where officials are considering new catch basins to address water accumulation.
A separate measure would transfer $575,000 in tax increment financing funds to the city’s waterfront hotel development. Demolition work connected to the project is expected to begin within the coming weeks. Both measures require a second reading before receiving final approval.
In Weirton, work is underway to stabilize the former Elks Lodge in the city’s downtown area. The long-vacant property is now owned by the Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle.
Years of roof leaks reportedly caused extensive damage and mold inside the building. Current improvements include a new roof and utility work. The City of Weirton is contributing up to $145,000 toward the effort to preserve the structure.
Steubenville officials are addressing separate complications involving a development site and a city street. A legal filing has temporarily stopped demolition at the location of a planned brewery project, with a court hearing scheduled to address the dispute.
Wellesley Avenue also remains closed after a city truck sank into unstable brick pavement. Engineers believe moisture trapped beneath the roadway contributed to the failure. Officials hope to reopen the street next week.
In Harrison County, opening statements have begun in the murder trial of Mickey Green. Green is accused of fatally shooting Steven Andrews during a roadside confrontation last year. Prosecutors maintain that Green fired the fatal shot, while the defense argues that he acted out of fear and in self-defense.
West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack has released a report explaining how tax revenue from data center developments would be distributed to counties. Two proposed projects in Berkeley and Putnam counties could generate more than $100 million annually for schools and local governments, according to the report. Critics, however, continue to argue that the applicable tax rate is too low.
Ohio has also expanded its Mobile ID program to Android devices. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles says residents can now add an Ohio driver’s license or state identification card to Google Wallet.
The encrypted digital identification can be used at participating locations, including TSA checkpoints and casinos across the state. Officials emphasize that residents must continue carrying their physical identification cards.
