Letter to the Editor (Graphic Illustration/MetroCreative)
On August 22, the urban renewal agency decided to spend $681,000 on a run-down Economy Inn motel on 7th Street. The original offer of $490,000 was on the City Council agenda in November 2022, but the owner was not happy with the amount, and the city and owner agreed “Negotiations” since. Added to the final amount of $681,000 were moving expenses for the owner and his family who live at the motel and lost income. According to the city planner, most units are unsafe or unfit for human use, and both the City Code Enforcement Office and the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department have reported the company for multiple violations over a number of years. Only minor repairs have been made over the years.
Many rational arguments were put forward. “It might cost more if we take the estate as a significant domain.” And “We cannot afford not to do this.” Several citizens commented on the increase in crime in the area, blaming the motel residents.
A real estate professional took the floor on a public forum and said that she had tried to sell the property at the price the owner wanted but had not found an interested buyer. So the owner approached the city about the purchase.
Parkersburg citizens have many questions. Why do taxpayers of Parkersburg pay lost income and moving expenses for the owner and his family? Did the two different appraisers take the condition of the property into account when determining the base value? What is the city planning to do with the property? Are there other steps that could have been taken before this property fell into this condition? Does enforcing the code require new legislation to enforce the standards already in place?
Do not get me wrong. I’ve been very vocal about cleaning up the affected areas in our city because of the impact it has on the entire community. But I’m very concerned about the precedent that seems to have become the norm. It started with the 19th and Dudley Avenue lots and now this one. Who will be offered to the city next?
It’s time for a change in 2024. Let’s vote for new leadership in Parkersburg, common sense people, and don’t spend all of URA’s remaining budget on a crumbling motel.
Sue Ellen Waybright
Parkersburg
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