Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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July 28, 2010

Plans to demolish Scott Street Parking Garage tabled

KATE COIL Bluefield Daily Telegraph

BLUEFIELD —  The city Board of Directors discussed new findings on the possible demolition of the Scott Street Parking Garage and sent out a warning to criminals in the Bluefield area.

Plans to demolish the Scott Street Parking Garage were tabled after consulting engineers reported finding underground fuel tanks dating back to the 1940s or 1950s under the garage, according to City Manager Andrew Merriman. The Environmental Protection Agency has regulations about disposal and clearing of such tanks, which could cost the city more money in demolishing the garage than previously anticipated.

“The EPA did not require mitigation of tanks until the 1980s.” Merriman explained. “If we tear the garage down, we will have to take care of the tanks. We could just take them out, but if they have gotten into the soil, we would have to mitigate that as well. That wouldn’t be cheap. It might be, given this newfound knowledge, it might be better to go back to the original renovation plan. We may as well leave well enough alone.”

Board member Dr. Tom Blevins suggested the city make stipulations about how to maintain structures such as the garage so future boards would not encounter the same problem.

The board added discussion of the  renovation or other options for the bridge to the agenda of their next meeting  and to speak with citizens, businesses, and stakeholders about what should be done concerning the garage.

Mayor Whalen also spoke to assure local residents and business owners that she is aware of the growing prostitution problem in the city.

“We want residents to know we are aware,” she said. “We aren’t accepting it. It is affecting businesses and local residents. We are going to be looking for solicitors. We aren’t taking this lightly. If we can publish your picture in the paper or on WVVA, we will. We’re watching you and if we can catch you, we will.”

Bluefield Police Chief Joe Wilson reported prostitution arrests in Bluefield so far this summer, though three were repeat offenders.

The board approved revisions on both a levy estimate revision for the general fund and a levy estimate revision for the coal severance tax fund. The general fund picked up more budgeted revenues between March and June.

Merriman’s motion to send a letter to Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) to approve new house legislation striking the language of public bargaining from a finance bill was also approved at the meeting. Merriman said the bill was intended to allow city employees, such as police and fire officials to bargain for wage increases, but the ambiguity of the bill’s language extended rights to all public servants.

Merriman was approached by 283 cities in the West Virginia Municipal League and National League of cities to petition for voting on a new bill, striking the original language.

“If this went through, it could not only break the city, but it could break the county,” Mayor Linda Whalen agreed.

Merriman also proposed the city contact the county commission about overgrowth and abandoned buildings on Grassy Branch Road, to ensure they were keeping with city codes. The motion was also approved.

The city also reappointed Martha Richardson to the Craft Memorial Library Board of Directors.

City board members encouraged local residents to participate in upcoming events and attend future board meetings to be further informed.

— Contact Kate Coil at kcoil@bdtonline.com

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