Former Weirton school building to be converted into apartments
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WEIRTON - A former school building will soon have a new use.
The Weirton Zoning Board of Appeals during its meeting Tuesday approved a conditional use request by Jesse Krieg of Kensington Investments to convert the former Marland Heights Elementary into an apartment complex, featuring 12 residential units.
"I'm looking to repurpose the old school on Marland Heights into an apartment building," Krieg said, noting the building will be brought up to code, including up-to-date sprinklers and ensuring it is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
According to a copy of the application, each apartment will feature two bedrooms and one bathroom, with Krieg noting they will be "higher end" apartments.
Responding to concerns from neighbors in attendance, Krieg said his plans are only to renovate the interior of the former school building, with no intention to make changes to the property surrounding the building.
That includes not touching the existing playground and baseball field area, which Krieg said he was willing to continue to make available for public use.
"That's going to stay as is," he said.
Other concerns included the potential for garbage, as the playground is used as a congregating point for youth, according to some neighbors, whether work would block traffic on neighboring streets, and how much noise would be involved.
Krieg indicated it could take between three and four months before any work begins on the project, adding there would not be any need for large equipment, with city Planning and Development Director Mark Miller explaining there are still steps involved in the process, even with the conditional use approved.
"This is the first step in the process," Miller said.
In other business Tuesday, the Zoning Board:
Approved a variance for Leslie Cecchini, at 268 Kingsview Drive, to place a shed in the side yard of the property. Cecchini explained the structure would be used as a workshop for his woodworking and art;
Denied a request from Mary Everhart, 116 Hancock Drive, who had asked to be permitted to install a 7-foot-tall fence in her front yard. Everhart claimed the fence was needed to keep her grandson, who she said has Cerebral Palsy and mental challenges, from leaving the property and roaming the neighborhood;
Approved a request from Nancy MacPherson, 323 Culler Road, for a variance to place a garage within the front yard setback, contingent upon moving an existing sanitary line at her expense.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)