NEW DEVELOPMENT — The Weirton Planning Commission gave preliminary plat approval Wednesday to a proposal for the development of a new housing subdivision on property which once housed Liberty Elementary School. The property is now owned by the College of St. Joseph the Worker, which is working with Triad Engineering on the project. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — The initial plans for a new housing development, proposed by a Steubenville-based Catholic trade school, were discussed by members of the Weirton Planning Commission Wednesday.

Commissioners held a public hearing, and gave preliminary plat approval for a new subdivision which has been proposed for construction on property which once was home to Liberty Elementary School.

Representatives of the College of St. Joseph the Worker, which owns the property, and Triad Engineering Inc. were on hand for the request, along with six residents who live near the property in question.

“This is a preliminary plat approval,” explained Weirton Planning and Development Director Mark Miller, who explained the proposal still needs to go through various stages of review from municipal departments, and may see revisions before any final plan can move forward. “We’re not doing anything final tonight.”

Ray Burns of Triad Engineering explained aspects of the proposal.

“It’s proposed for 11 lots,” Burns said. “The houses are going to be built by the college students themselves.”

Burns said they anticipate to construct two houses each year, working to develop the property as they go. He also noted there are no plans for any major grading of the property.

Current proposals are for 11 single-level homes, according to Chad Rosemont, who was on hand to represent the college. While the students’ construction will be a part of their education, the work will be overseen by licensed and certified instructors.

“We’re not going to stick a bunch of houses out there at substandard quality,” he said, adding some of the college’s 62 students currently are constructing a house in Toronto.

Miller reiterated the development will go through all of the permitting, code approvals and other reviews as are performed for other developments in the city.

Some of the residents asked questions about the type of homes planned, with officials noting they will be single-family dwellings, with an estimated price of between $300,000 and $400,000. There are plans for each house to have room for two off-street parking spots, with a cul-de-sac proposed for the area, and underground utilities.

“That would be quite an impact,” noted Commissioner Enzo Fracasso, of any effects on the surrounding neighborhood.

Public Works Director Allen Hess said he has some concerns about the proposed storm water management system, and several residents asked about the possibility of increased traffic and whether there will be a need to widen any parts of High Street or Wirt Street.

The commission explained there will be additional meetings to review the plans before any final decision is made, with opportunities for residents to provide input or express concern.

“Any reasonable comment will be heard by this commission,” said Commissioner Anthony Capp.

Miller raised the option of the commission hosting a public workshop before any vote is taken, explaining the city had sent letters to more than 50 neighboring homes to raise awareness of the proposal prior to Wednesday’s meeting.