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NEW CUMBERLAND -- In anticipation of potential economic development in the northern part of Hancock County, New Cumberland officials are looking into the possibility of annexing property north of the city.
"We saw a possible opportunity," explained Mayor Will White during Wednesday's meeting of New Cumberland Council. "We thought we could possibly get an annexation."
According to records found online through the Hancock County Clerk's Office, there have been several property purchases by Nucor Steel in the last two years between New Cumberland and Newell.
Company officials previously discussed the possibility of bringing an operation to Hancock County, including during a May 2022 development conference in Wheeling. No official decision, though, has been made by the company.
White explained the area the city is discussing would begin at New Cumberland's northern limits, following a stretch of land following north on Route 2 to a point south of Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort. Exact boundaries of the potential annexation have not been finalized.
Kevin Pearl, city attorney, explained council will need additional information before being able to move forward on any annexation plans, providing three options for how to implement such a move.
"For any of these, you're going to need maps and boundary descriptions," Pearl said.
Options for getting such an annexation approved include an election to include residents of the city and the area to be annexed; an approval by the county commission of a minor annexation may be done only if the proposed area is 105 percent of the existing city limits; or through a petition signed by a majority of residents living in the area to be annexed.
Councilwoman Missy Perkins asked if there are any residents living in the targeted area, and was told there are some homes, but it is mostly the location of businesses.
Pearl said it will take more study to know if any of the options are viable, or if such a proposed annexation can be done for the area.