Letter to the Editor: Questions about Economy Inn purchase
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On Aug. 22, the Urban Renewal Authority voted to spend $681,000 on a crumbling Economy Inn motel, located on 7th Street. The original offer of $490,000 was on the council's agenda in November 2022, but the owner wasn't satisfied with the amount, and the city and the owner have been in "negotiations" ever since. Added to the final amount of $681,000 were relocation expenses for the owner and his family who live in the motel, and lost income. According to the city development planner, most of the units are unsafe or unfit for human occupation, and both the City Code Enforcement office and the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department have cited the business for multiple violations over several years. Only minor repairs have been made over the years.
Many rational arguments were made. "It could cost more if we take the property by eminent domain." And "we can't afford not to do this." Several citizens spoke up about the increase in crimes in that area, blaming those living in the motel.
A real estate professional spoke up at a public forum and advised that she had tried to sell the property for what the owner wanted, but she couldn't find any interested buyers. So, the owner approached the city about buying it.
The citizens of Parkersburg have many questions. Why are the tax-paying citizens of Parkersburg paying for lost income and relocation expenses for the owner and his family? Did the two different appraisers take the condition of the property into consideration when coming up with a base value? What does the city plan to do with the property? Are there other steps that could have been taken before this property declined to this condition? Does Code Enforcement need new laws to enforce the standards already on the books?
Don't get me wrong. I've been very vocal about remedying the blighted areas in our city, as these affect the whole community. But I'm very concerned about the precedent that seems to have become the norm. It started with the properties at 19th and Dudley Avenue, and now this one. Who is going to be the next one to be offered to the city?
It's time for a change in 2024. Let's vote for new leadership in Parkersburg, for people who have common sense, and don't blow the entire remaining budget for URA on one crumbling motel.
Sue Ellen Waybright
Parkersburg