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Planners discuss results of survey

DISCUSS SURVEY — Members of the Weirton Planning Commission, on Wednesday, met with lead senior planner Amy Wiles of Mackin Engineering to discuss results of a recent survey of area residents to gather ideas for future development in the city. The 10-question survey received more than 600 responses. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Area residents feel the cost of living, residential development, job creation and a renewal of the city’s downtown should all receive focus as part of ongoing efforts to redevelop Weirton for future generations.

On Wednesday, members of the Weirton Planning Commission heard a report from Amy Wiles, lead senior planner at Mackin Engineering, on a survey undertaken earlier this month as part of continuing efforts to gather feedback from residents as the city looks to update its Comprehensive Development Plan.

The survey initially was offered on July 1, during the city’s Independence Day festivities, with it also available online through the Survey Monkey website.

“I thought it was very successful,” Wiles said, noting they received 623 total responses.

Wiles said approximately 60 surveys were completed during the July 1 activities, with approximately 300 responses received online on July 4.

The 10-question survey looked at areas such as quality of life contributors, type of development desired, an area of the city most in need of development, priority of housing needs, concerns about parks and recreation and possible future identities for the city.

“We kept it pretty simple,” Wiles said. “We didn’t want it to take a long time.”

For the question “What factors contribute most to the quality of life in Weirton?” for example, 47.67 percent (297 votes) of the 623 responses noted the cost of living, while 39.81 percent (248) said safety and security.

Of the 589 individuals answering the question “What type of development do you feel that Weirton needs more or less of?” the top responses were residential development and commercial/office development.

Those taking the survey felt the downtown/Main Street area needs to receive some focus, with 51.12 percent (296 votes) of 579 responders making that selection.

“The appearance of Main Street dominated the responses,” Wiles said.

Planning Commission Chair Chuck Robinson said he feels the visibility of downtown, along with memories of a bustling business district, could contribute on the desire to focus efforts there.

“A major thoroughfare runs right through downtown Weirton,” Robinson said.

Wiles noted, though, there also is a push toward living in cities, with walkable neighborhoods.

Responses also indicated job creation, having a mix of business, transportation, historic preservation and housing availability are most important for future development in the city.

The commission also will be planning meetings with focus groups in the next few months, inviting various business owners, developers and other members of the community to take part.

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

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