County residents, with an interest in the direction of City Government, met at the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department to discuss concerns and potential candidates for the 2025 Town Council, Mayor and Recorder positions.
Roger Propst addressed those in attendance about the significance of The 1982 Foundation, American Medicine Company and other potential business opportunities that are making a positive impact on the Calhoun area. Also addressed was the negative impact that the current city administration is making on the County as a whole and why a meeting such as the one being held last night was needed.
Those in attendance were asked how they viewed the current city administration. Adjectives such as dominating leadership, unwelcoming and uncooperative were used when describing the Town Government with concern as to how those attitudes effected the business climate and hope for new businesses coming into the area. Concerns over financial management, lack of economic development and decisions that deterred business growth.
Roger Propst provided a description of what’s being constructed inside the old high school, now known as the Avalon Campus. The multifaceted campus will be providing opportunities to improve health, education, business and tourism which can transform the entire communities perspective on what is possible.
The third floor of the building that can be remembered as the CHS Library and several class rooms, has been renovated to become a primary source of income for the business campus with six high end apartments and two bed and breakfast rooms. A large steel deck is being constructed that will be utilized by the apartment residents as well as an event venue.
The second floor will house a private school, school administration offices and will begin with grades K-4, gradually increasing the grades in years to come.
The basement level of the building will be a Tamarack style shopping center, known as EZ Street, that will allow artisans and vendors to set up small shops to man themselves or utilize 1982 Foundation Staff for consignment sales. In addition to the shops will be a Steak House with a menu unlike anything available locally with plenty of seating and an outdoor eating area for warmer weather and a fitness center for membership.
The old gymnasium area is being restored with a stage for performing arts and the gym area available for sports and events. The large steel structure at the end of building is the Apple Seed learning center for Head start and child care with a cafeteria and two commercial kitchens on the backside of the buildings. The swimming pool will reopen this summer that will be adjacent to the recovery center and river outfitters. These exciting experiences and shopping centers will serve to make Calhoun a day trip location to attract visitors into the area as well as potential other businesses. Even the construction crews have brought a level of excitement to the area worth driving by to watch Avalon Grow.
Add the City ventures and the continuing effort of bringing in the American Medicines Company’s 500 jobs and Calhoun County could be on the verge of returning to it’s capitol ventures of the early days of oil and gas, river boats and bustling city streets. This was the reasoning behind the meeting. Those in attendance want their community to be a welcoming county that is ready to become central West Virginia’s River city of hope and they do not believe it can happen with current mindset of Grantsville’s leadership.
Incoming Commissioner Eric Lupardus attended the meeting to encourage the voice of citizens and businesses to speak out and take part in county government. Area businesses, County Commissioners and Members of the FINEX inC Organization (Facilitating Investment & Economic Expansion in Calhoun) have been in contact with State and National representatives receiving encouragement to get things rolling in Calhoun County in preparation for potential funding for The American Medicine Company.
A few of those in attendance and other’s that were not in attendance have expressed interest in running for the open offices in Grantsville politics, all were interested in revitalizing their community and taking ownership of what needs done.
For more information on what’s happening in Grantsville contact your area city and county leaders and ask the hard questions such as “What have you personally done to encourage economic growth? How are you fighting to keep the community safe and provide adequate law enforcement and support? What’s being done to clean up dilapidated dwellings in our county and increase the value of our real estate? How are you supporting the businesses that are in our community?
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