RONCEVERTE (WVDN) – Ronceverte City Council approved the creation and funding of a comprehensive plan for Island Park on Monday, Mar. 7.
Approximately five years ago, White Sulphur Springs created and approved a comprehensive plan that was used as a framework for its recent growth. In December 2020, a member of the Ronceverte Parks and Recreation Committee presented a request for a similar plan specific to Island Park.
“Previously Dan Withrow spoke at a council meeting – he presented the request for a comprehensive plan,” explained Mayor Deena Pack. “At the time, … we voted to approve the comprehensive plan, pending grant funding. Since then, things are progressing pretty quickly there. … There is a sense of urgency to get the comprehensive plan completed, so we can use the information to make sure we’re putting things in the best place, make sure we have the ability to go after funding.”
For more information on Withrow’s presentation, see “Ronceverte Considers Comprehensive Plan For Island Park” at wvdn.com/23800/.
City administrator Pam Mentz, pointing to projects like the upcoming splash pad and potential park renovations, agreed that the plan should move faster than grant funding would allow.
“The problem with that is the time it takes to [get grant funding],” Mentz said. “To get everybody moving that’s interested right now, I don’t think the wait would be a good thing. … When people are coming in and looking to invest, the first thing they look at is the comprehensive plan.”
The total cost is $26,000, which is expected to come out of grant funding.
“I do think it has a great benefit,” said Ronceverte city recorder Leah Smith. “There are a lot of people that are looking to potentially invest, and this would give people a measure of comfort. … We’re spending all this money to put stuff in like the splash pad. … This work might help us get the money to fix the bridge, … and I just think this is a really smart use of a relatively small amount of money.”
Council approved the motion, giving the money to get the plan started. It is expected to be complete in approximately 120 days.
Ronceverte City Council meets on Monday, March 7. |
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