Weirton Council reviews first draft of proposed public safety facility

WEIRTON -- Weirton Council convened in a work session Wednesday night to review an initial round of information concerning a new public safety facility proposed for construction in the city.

Council previously approved $21,000 for a feasibility study for the project, and on Wednesday met with David King and Sharon Jurawitz of Horne and King Architects to review some of their initial findings.

Jurawitz explained the firm had reviewed 16 possible sites in Weirton for the proposed facility, primarily located in the city's downtown or north end, although several were ruled out because of inadequate property size.

Among the more plausible sites, according to the study, were the property of the Weirton Event Center, Edwin J. Bowman Field, three separate lots which include the former city building and a former post office, and the property which previously housed Jimmy Carey Stadium.

Bowman Field, she said, would provide plenty of room for the city's plans, as well as being located within Municipal Plaza.

"It provides you space with flexibility," she said.

Kaleb Knowlton, program manager for the city's Planning and Development Department, however, noted ongoing improvements at the field which might limit any other use as a result of the funding used for the project.

"I'm not sure if that's a possible site because of the grant," he said.

In addition, City Attorney Vince Gurrera, while saying he doesn't know what impact it could have, noted cremated human remains were interred in a spot behind the field's pitcher's mound at the request of the family of a long-time Weir High supporter.

"The baseball team went out there and did a special event," he said.

Ward 2 Councilman Mike Adams, who also sits on the Park Board, noted there also have been drainage concerns with the property.

The Weirton Event Center property also is owned by the city, but would require a multi-story building because of space concerns.

The former stadium site could be too big for the city's needs, with 8 acres of land and only one access point to the property. It is privately owned.

Of the north Weirton properties, Jurawitz noted they, too, are privately owned and would need to be combined in order to provide adequate space.

"If you housed those together, it might work," she said, noting demolition of existing structures would be needed.

The architects also showcased proposed room designs and other features, including areas for individual work spaces for police officers, a multi-purpose room which could be used for training and municipal court, evidence rooms, locker rooms and more.

Police Chief Charlie Kush noted the proposals are still early and things could change based on the needs of his department. He and other officials have noted the facility has been proposed as a way to provide needed space for the city's police department.

"They're kind of living out of their mailboxes," he said of his officers and the lack of available work area in the department's current offices.

Mayor Harold Miller noted his goal is to focus on the safety of the community with this project, making sure the city's emergency responders have what they need to do their jobs and the ability to respond to the needs of the citizens.

Additional meetings on the project will be planned in the future.

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