ZONING CONSIDERED — The Brooke County Commission, on Tuesday, discussed reviving the county’s planning commission and updating its comprehensive development plan with the possibility of introducing zoning to encourage public input into future development in unincorporated areas of the county. -- Warren Scott

FOLLANSBEE — The Brooke County Commission is mulling reviving the county’s planning commission, updating its comprehensive development plan and introducing zoning to encourage public input into future development that may occur in unincorporated areas of the county.

Commission President A.J. Thomas noted Tuesday the plan was initially developed by staff with West Virginia University 25 years ago and reflects uses of property by industries that have since closed while recommending areas for new development.

“I would like to see current (property) uses (in the plan) updated and top areas for development updated and the planning commission revived to enact zoning,” said Thomas.

He noted while many municipalities — including all but Follansbee in Brooke County — have zoning that designates specific areas for industrial, commercial and residential use, it exists in only two of West Virginia’s 55 counties.

Thomas said while zoning may seem restrictive to future development, it also can benefit citizens in some ways.

He said in addition to recent, reportedly canceled, plans to establish a slaughterhouse near McKim’s Ridge, a natural gas compressor station was built in recent years along state Route 88, spurring complaints about noise from residents.

Thomas said in either case, the county commission had no control over either development.

“There was actually no opportunity for anybody to express concerns,” he said.

Thomas noted in some cases, a permit from the local health department or West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection might be required.

He and the other commissioners said they weren’t aware of plans for the slaughterhouse until word of it spread through social media and they began receiving phone calls.

Through its website, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced West Virginia Farm Foods was awarded a $4 million grant to design, build and operate a slaughterhouse to process cattle from nearly 7,000 farms from across three northern West Virginia regions.

The grant was one of 10 awarded through the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization program for projects involving the repurposing of formerly mined property for various economic development projects.

Thomas said since then, the company has declined to accept the grant, and the West Virginia Secretary of State’s registry of businesses indicates its status as a limited liability company has been terminated.

County Commissioner Tom Diserio said, “They received $4 million and estimated the total project at $9 million. There’s a lot of additional work that would have to happen and they’ve declined the grant.”

Thomas said he’s not opposed to a slaughterhouse elsewhere in the county or region if it won’t disturb residents.

A resident of the Highland Hills area of Follansbee not far from its proposed site, Thomas said he agreed with residents who told the commission it wasn’t a suitable site.

Resident Jeana Parr noted the road leading to it is a windy country road with little space for large vehicles.

Resident and former county commissioner Marty Bartz questioned Follansbee officials’ plans to build a water tower near the same road.

The 212,000-gallon tank is part of a planned $3.1 million project involving improvements to the city’s downtown and Hooverson Heights water treatment systems.

City officials have said the tank is needed to improve water pressure for some customers and the site was chosen for its elevation and accessibility.

It was among sites considered by the city’s water board in 2020, with Mayor David Velegol Jr. abstaining from the discussion because it’s owned by members of his family.

Resident Chad Lamantia said he feels more advanced notification of such a development is needed.

Thomas said no letters of support from local government entities were submitted with the grant application, which is unusual for such projects.

He said there’s no guarantee zoning will prevent undesired development from occurring.

He noted Weirton officials denied Southwestern Energy permission to drill a natural gas well near Park Drive, citing zoning restrictions for that location, but that action was overturned by the West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals on the grounds it superseded authority given to the state Department of Environmental Protection by the state Legislature.

But Thomas said establishing a planning commission and zoning would help to bring attention to potential development.

Following the meeting, Thomas said the commission will review the bylaws for the county’s planning commission, inactive for some years, to determine its compliance with state laws.

He said it’s likely the board will be represented by individuals with various areas of expertise.

Mike Bolen, administrator of the county’s health department, said the department should be represented, if only by a non-voting member, to address public health concerns.

Thomas said whatever the future of zoning in Brooke County, the comprehensive plan should be updated.

In other business, Bolen advised John Cunningham will be leaving the county’s board of health this month after more than 20 years of service, including many as its chairman.

“He’s been a great board member. He’s going to be missed,” said Bolen.

The commissioners expressed thanks to Cunningham. They noted letters of interest in the volunteer seat may be submitted to the office of County Clerk Kimberly Barbetta.