To the editor:

Once upon a time (1981) a man desired to build his dream home in Wintersville at the intersection of Fernwood and Parkview. Alas, it was not a suitable lot on which to build. The man received permission from a government official to construct a lot. The man constructed two walls made of railroad ties — one wall very close to Parkview and the other wall intersecting the first wall. This was then filled in and a home was constructed on that “lot.” The home was eventually sold to the present owner.

As years went by, the walls started to buckle. Large metal pipes and small wooden slats were used in some places to secure the walls, but many areas along Parkview started to show major signs of deterioration. A letter dated July 24, 2020, written by then-Village Administrator Walt Ziemba was hand-delivered to all homes that would be affected. The letter stated that on July 28, 2020, at 8 a.m., the northbound lane of traffic between Dana Lynn and Fernwood would be closed to all traffic for safety purposes. Traffic would be re-routed to Terrace and McConnell. “Drive at your own risk” signs were posted, but no detour signs. Some people drove northbound in the southbound lane with no consequences and, fortunately, no accidents. People who were not familiar with the detour would drive around the neighborhood asking for directions to get out.

We received a letter dated July 26, 2021, from Ziemba, inviting us to a public meeting at the Municipal Building on July 29 to update us regarding the status of the retaining wall. Then-Mayor Robbie Martin and then-Village Solicitor Chris Becker chaired the meeting with several council members and village employees present. Residents were allowed to speak and to ask questions. At times, the government officials were arrogant and condescending. We were told that the wall did not belong to the village, village employees could not touch the wall and the village was only responsible for clearing debris on the road. Options presented were: The village could abandon Parkview, or the village could seize the property and fix the wall, but the cost would be paid by assessing the homeowners on the four affected streets or using tax dollars. The final outcome was that the barriers were removed and the northbound lane reopened. Martin stated: “I promise you this: We’re not going to stop investigating it. We’re not going to leave it just at that” (Herald-Star, Aug. 2, 2021.)

When Mayor Mike Petrella was running for mayor the first time, I spoke to him on the phone. He assured me that the Parkview wall would be a priority if he was elected. He has been re-elected to a second term. The wall continues to deteriorate on both sides. Along Parkview, there are missing areas, pieces are sticking out and weeds are growing over the entire area. Debris covers part of the northbound lane. When the weeds die, will that section collapse completely? Five years of government inaction.

Michalene A. King

Wintersville