Wheeling Scraps Downtown Two Way Traffic Plan:
Mayor Elliott proposed a plan to convert Main and Market Street in Downtown from one way roads into two way roads earlier this year. Much to his surprise, it turned into one of Wheeling's most controversial topics in recent years. Despite business support, an ever-growing NIMBY group strongly opposes the plan, claiming it is "dangerous for senior citizens." Most of the city officials have decided to side with their constituents, and the nail in the coffin came when Mayor Elliott himself threw in the towel. But, a compromise plan has been created which will bring a $19.1 million streetscaping project to Main, Market, and Chapline Streets - details on that are not yet known. I just hope this issue won't completely turn Wheeling against Mayor Elliott - he has done an amazing job promoting good urban planning principle within Wheeling.
950 Main Street Redevelopment:
Local real estate investors have purchased 950 Main Street - a historic building on a
prominent corner in Downtown Wheeling. The first floor is home to Bridge Tavern & Grill, which will remain in the building. The developers hope to make the building, once the Wheeling Hotel, into a first-class historical landmark. The second, third, and fourth floors will all be renovated to make room for office and apartment space. They hope to eventually invest $2 million in the building and to turn the first floor into a live music club. They cite the recent historic tax credit increase from 10% to 25% and the recent success of Downtown Wheeling as their motivation for investing in the building. It is across the street from another historic building that is undergoing a similar restoration.
950 Main Street:
New Downtown Public Safety Building:
There is a proposal for a new Public Safety Building on Market Street in Downtown
in place of a surface parking lot. The building would be the new headquarters for the police department and fire department, which both need a bigger space to operate in. The building, designed by M&G Architects, must be approved by voters with a levy this November in order to proceed. It would be great to see this happen - it would bring more jobs to Downtown and get rid of a large surface parking lot.
A rendering of the Public Safety Building: