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During a meeting set for 5:30 p.m. today, Wheeling City Council members are to vote on an ordinance involving their plan to construct a $14.5 million public safety building. The measure would, if approved, authorize city officials to enter into an option to buy agreement for a piece of property on which the new structure could be erected.
We urge council members to proceed both cautiously and responsibly.
By cautiously, we mean council members should not lock the city into a plan that may not be the best one for taxpayers.
As we have reported, the land in question is at the intersection of 19th and Jacob streets. It is owned by businessman Frank Calabrese, through a company called Americo Inc.
For various reasons, some have questioned whether the Calabrese property is a good fit. Concerns include the purchase price. Calabrese could receive as much as $375,000. Another worry is the expense of tearing down an old warehouse on the land and environmental remediation of the property. Finally, the question of whether a better site could be obtained remains relevant.
By responsibly, we mean council should at least hear concerns expressed by the public before proceeding with the option to buy.
It has been pointed out previously on this and other issues that council's agenda does not lend itself to considering public comments before voting. In this case, the option to buy ordinance is scheduled for action before "those wishing to be heard."
Especially on controversial issues such as this, that makes no sense. Council members should hear comments on the public safety building issue before voting on the proposed ordinance.