Wellsburg plans to rejoin Business Development Corp.
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WELLSBURG -- The City of Wellsburg will rejoin a partnership with the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle.
Through a 4-3 vote Tuesday, Wellsburg Council approved a proposal to renew its membership with the economic development organization, which focuses its efforts in Hancock and Brooke counties. Councilman Larry Swanson will serve as the city’s liaison.
Swanson said he believes the BDC can assist the city with ongoing redevelopment efforts and attracting new business opportunities.
"We're starting to lose businesses in the city," Swanson said, noting recent moves by TEAM Automotive and Mondi to relocate operations outside of Wellsburg. "I'd like to figure out a way to work with them."
The annual membership fee is $4,307, according to City Manager Erica Tamburin. Councilman Randy Fletcher questioned where the funds would come from, noting the city did not budget economic development funding for the new fiscal year.
Some council members questioned whether the BDC would welcome Wellsburg's return.
"Are they going to take us back?" Councilman Scott Kins asked.
Wellsburg previously partnered with the BDC but ended the relationship following disagreements over whether enough was being done in the city and concerns about providing city funds to an organization based in Weirton.
Others expressed confidence in the organization's current leadership and willingness to work with the city.
"It's a whole new team. They'll work awfully hard," Councilman Geno Capp said. "I'm for joining."
Capp also suggested the city seek a discount on the membership fee, citing ongoing concerns involving the former Brooke Glass building, which the BDC has worked to redevelop for future business opportunities.
Swanson said that even while Wellsburg was not a BDC member in recent years, the organization continued efforts to market the property.
The BDC continues to list the 18,000-square-foot building as an available property. The organization acquired the site in 2015 with assistance from the Wellsburg Urban Redevelopment Authority. According to the BDC, one of the building's three original sections was retained for redevelopment, while the other two were demolished.
Mayor Dan Dudley said he spoke with a BDC representative during the city's Independence Day festivities about potential projects.
"We were talking about buildings that have potential," Dudley said, adding that a renewed partnership would give the city a voice in future decisions. "We need to have a voice in these things."