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Council works toward city conference center

WEIRTON — City Council is taking the next step in a project officials hope will see the construction of a conference center in the city.

Council convened into a special session Friday morning to consider the issue.

Following a 52-minute executive session to “consider matters involving the investment of public funds,” council voted 5-0 to issue a request for qualifications for professional services related to the design and construction of a conference center facility within the Three Springs Business Park.

Council members in attendance noted this action will not definitively mean a conference center is being built. It simply is continuing to look into the feasibility of such a project.

“This is not a vote to say ‘yes’ or ‘no,'” Ward 7 Councilman Terry Weigel said.

Ward 4 Councilman George Ash and Ward 5 Councilman Douglas Jackson were not in attendance.

The idea of a conference center first was discussed publicly by city officials in April, when council authorized a $28,000 contract with Pompan Hospitality Global Inc. to perform a market study on the possible project. At that time, the proposal was for a combination conference center and hotel.

City Manager Travis Blosser noted Friday the market study had returned with a recommendation only for a conference center.

“It recommended a conference center in conjunction with the three existing hotels,” Blosser said.

Currently, a Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn and Fairfield Inn and Suites operate on Three Springs Drive.

Blosser said the request for qualifications would provide the city with more information and a direction to take, if possible.

“From our perspective, it’s a great step; a great move,” Blosser said.

Public funds could be used as part of the project to provide infrastructure improvements within the business park area.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)

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