Lewisburg City Council discussed the purchase of additional land possibly needed for the relocation of the city’s new fire station during their last regular meeting of 2020.
The meeting was held via zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After a welcome and approval of the previous meeting’s minutes, Mayor Beverly White read a statement detailing the struggles of the year. At the end of the statement, she asked for a moment of silence for all those lost as a result of the pandemic.
White went on to thank first responders, city employees, volunteers, council members, school children, media members and many others for their efforts and dedication in getting through this difficult year.
The city has been working towards improving the sidewalks along route US 219. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the original contractors are no longer working on the project. The council voted unanimously to accept the next bid in line which is from Mountaineer Contractors.
The council then recognized Sharron Hayes to speak for the visitor’s report. Hayes had questions and concerns regarding a piece of land owned by Fairfields LLC, of which she is the managing member, that the city is interested in purchasing. This land would be used in conjunction with the property slated to be used for a new fire station. Due to the size of the fire trucks, the addition of this land would better accommodate the trucks in terms of access to Grande Avenue.
Hayes stated that she would prefer not to sell a strip of the property as she wants to have it all together if she ever decides to sell. Her biggest concern seems to be that if she does not sell that the area will be claimed under eminent domain. The council members said they had not had any mention of that being the case. She went on to say that she has not yet decided whether or not she is going to sell.
According to Fire Chief Thomas, “what we are needing and what I spoke to Ms. Hayes, in previous conversations with is just a strip of land that we can basically put an access road back out onto Grand Avenue beside the retention pond.”
Hayes said, “if I didn’t have to lose the property, I wouldn’t want to.” She went on to express confusion over why the property for the new station was considered if there was not enough space to accommodate the needs of the department.
Councilmembers as well as Chief Thomas commented that there is a lack of available property to consider in the area. Also, the property in question is sufficient to house the station itself but there is concern about space to allow the trucks to maneuver safely.
The council addressed Hayes’ questions and concerns to the best of their abilities and then the meeting turned to reports from leaders of the various city sectors including the police chief, fire chief and public works director.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.