WHEELING - The Wheeling Planning Commission chose Howard Monroe as its new chairman Monday, effective at the next meeting.
Monroe was nominated by Vice Chairman John Clarke, who said Monroe's previous tenure as chairman fell during the period when Wheeling was working to complete its comprehensive plan. A new plan will soon need to be completed per state law, and Clarke said Monroe's experience in the process made him a great candidate for chairman.
The commission also selected James Mauck as vice chairman and welcomed Don Atkinson as its new Wheeling City Council representative. Outgoing chairman Barry Crow told Atkinson his opinions and input would be welcomed.
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Wheeling Planning Commission members Thomas McCulloch, left, and Howard Monroe listen Monday during a meeting of the commission.
"You can't get in too much trouble with the good people around here," Crow said.
Once new appointments were made, the commission approved a plot of land on 11th street to be used for parking spaces for a nearby business. Conner Boyd, who owns the business, said she intended to put four parking spots in the small plot of land, and that she was only interested in purchasing the land if the commission approved the parking spot request. She added she would put green space on one side of the parking area in an effort to make the area more attractive.
"This will be a nice addition to downtown to improve that land," Crow said.
The commission also approved a request from the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to create a new parking area near Wheeling Central Catholic High School's gymnasium. The gravel lot will be replaced with a paved area featuring 18 parking spots, and additional parking for four buses will be implemented.
The parking will be used by students and for parking during sporting events.
The approval was granted with an understanding that drainage issues will be considered, as will lighting. Commissioner Rusty Jebbia said there is no storm sewer to be connected to, though a solution to the issue will be found. Additionally, lighting that properly covers the area but also does not cause problems for nearby residences will be installed.
