Morgantown leaders set stage for eminent domain, zoning votes; Housing Authority considers concrete repairs
Morgantown’s recent government meetings focused on laying groundwork for future decisions, with no major votes recorded. The most significant action pending is a series of City Council items scheduled for July 7, including eminent domain for the Greenmont neighborhood and a pair of zoning changes. Meanwhile, the Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority board convened last month to weigh a $91,702.70 concrete repair contract, though its outcome remains undisclosed.
Housing Authority agenda: concrete repairs and surveillance upgrades
The Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority’s annual board meeting on June 24 included several financial items. Members were scheduled to vote on Resolution 2026-07, a contract with R&R Services for $91,702.70 to replace and repair concrete stoops, steps, and sidewalks at public housing sites. A second resolution (2026-08) would authorize a video surveillance upgrade, and a third (2026-09) would execute loan documents through the West Virginia Housing Development Fund for an affordable housing program. The board also planned to adopt changes to the Section 8 Administrative Plan following a public hearing and elect officers for the new term. Minutes from the meeting were not available by press time.
Ward boundaries and public input
The Ward & Boundary Commission met June 22 to review updated ward data and statistics. Members discussed plans for a public input session on possible boundary changes. The commission’s next meeting, set for July 6, will continue that review and approve minutes from the June gathering.
City Council workshop explores incentives, connectivity
During a June 24 workshop, council members heard public feedback on economic development tools, including adaptive reuse of the Railroad Depot and Wilson Works, B&O tax incentives modeled on a 20-year Columbus, Ohio, program, and the potential for a Business Improvement District in the Wharf District or Sabraton. A separate discussion covered enhanced connectivity—rail trails, pedestrian lighting, crosswalks, and gathering spaces. No formal votes occurred.
Also on June 24, council held an open-house public input session on city amenities, gathering community preferences for future projects.
Cultural Arts Commission eyes busking, murals
On July 1, the Cultural Arts Commission discussed designating busking locations downtown, updates on the Greenmont Mural, and plans for the Walnut trail bridge mural. The group also reviewed its 2026 project priorities.
Upcoming: Council to vote on land, housing, and architecture
The Morgantown City Council meets July 7 for what could be a pivotal session. On the agenda:
- **Eminent domain** – First reading of an ordinance to acquire property in the Greenmont neighborhood.
- **Zoning** – A first reading for 990 Elmer Prince Drive and receipt of the Planning Commission’s recommendation to deny a reclassification at 100 Finnell Street from R-1A to R-2.
- **Housing Advisory Committee repeal** – Second reading to eliminate Article 160, coupled with a new Reasonable Accommodations Process.
- **Hostile architecture ban** – A resolution that would prohibit such designs in public infrastructure.
- **Chestnut Street Streetscape Agreement** – Authorization for the city manager to execute the agreement.
- **Leadership elections** – Council will nominate and elect a mayor and deputy mayor for the coming year.
Coming up
- **July 6, Ward & Boundary Commission** – Review of updated ward data, public input discussion, and scheduling.
- **July 7, City Council** – Public hearings and votes on eminent domain, zoning, housing advisory committee repeal, hostile architecture ban, and streetscape agreement.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.