The City of Weirton is taking another step in its efforts to address blight and encourage new development in the city, although we imagine not everyone will be happy with this approach.

As part of its regular meeting earlier this month, Weirton Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to establish a vacant building registration program.

There are those who have acquired a vast number of buildings in our community over the years, and, for whatever reason, have left them to rot and decay, with no maintenance or improvements, and with no occupancy.

Some live in Weirton or surrounding towns, while others live out of the area having picked up the properties through real estate deals or inheritances with no discernible connection to the Ohio Valley.

Under the proposed ordinance, the owners of these vacant structures will be required to register with the city, with a fee assessed based on how long the property remains vacant. If it’s been less than a year, for example, there is no fee charged. If it’s been five or more years, though, the fee will be – at minimum – $4,000, with an additional $300 added for each year beyond that.

It’s similar to approaches taken in other cities.

If this ordinance is finalized through passage of a second reading, most likely set to take place in February, it would go into effect sometime in March.

We would imagine hearing from some of those vacant property owners before that time, and we’re sure they won’t be happy.

But, they should think about that and consider they wouldn’t have to register or pay these fees if they were more responsible with their properties; taking care of them and providing an opportunity for people and businesses to fill them instead of letting them sit and become a nuisance.