×

Wood County Board of Education members take new look at Fenton property

Wood County Board of Education member Ron Tice, left, speaks to George Fenton, right, during a tour Monday of the Fenton Art Glass factory property in Williamstown. Tice was one of three board members who voted against purchasing the property for a new Williamstown-area elementary school, but took a second look at the site this week. (Photo by Michael Erb)

WILLIAMSTOWN — Two Wood County Board of Education members who recently voted against purchasing the Fenton Art Glass property to build a new Williamstown-area elementary school took a second look at the site Monday.

Ron Tice and Rick Tennant voted against purchase of the site at the board’s Feb. 14 meeting, but on Monday met with George Fenton, president and CEO of the Fenton Art Glass company, to ask questions and tour the factory and surrounding property.

“It went excellent,” said Tice. George Fenton “answered all of my questions. He took me on a tour of the plant. I still have some concerns, but I’m leaning toward bringing (purchase of the plant) back for another vote.”

Tice, Tennant and Peggy Smith voted against purchase of the property, citing concerns over the environmental condition of the site which has been used to produce glass since 1906. The site was subject to two environmental studies, one commissioned by Fenton Art Glass company and a second more in-depth site testing commissioned by Wood County Schools.

In both cases, companies said there were no environmental concerns.

George Fenton, left, reviews a map of the Fenton Art Glass Factory property Monday with Wood County Board of Education members Ron Tice, center, and Rick Tennant, right. Both board members voted against purchase of the property for a new Williamstown-area elementary school at the Feb. 14 board meeting, but this week spoke again with George Fenton and toured the site. (Photo by Michael Erb)

Tice said he hopes to have some additional questions answered by Potesta, the company which conducted Phase 2 testing of the site for the school system, and other officials before he recommends the property purchase be brought back to the board.

“I am considering it, but I still have some concerns that need addressed,” Tice said.

Fenton said he was pleased the board members showed interest and took the time to come speak to him and tour the property.

“They said they got all their questions answered that I could answer,” he said.

Tennant could not immediately be reached for comment.

The school board meets 6:30 p.m. today at Williamstown Elementary School. Representatives of Potesta will present information to the board for a second time at the meeting.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today