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Wheeling officials are moving ahead on a proposal that the city purchase the old Ohio Valley Medical Center property, despite the fact local taxpayers have had little opportunity to think about the idea, much less comment on it. A vote finalizing the purchase could come as early as Tuesday, when council's next full meeting is scheduled to be held.
But council members will be discussing the proposal during a meeting set for 10 a.m. today. Don't bother asking whether you can listen in by phone or participate online, however. The meeting will be an "executive session" closed to the press and public.
What's the rush in closing the deal, which was suggested first -- at least publicly -- just a few weeks ago? Medical Properties Trust, the Alabama owner of the OVMC land and buildings, wants to get them off its books by July 1, for tax purposes.
This is a big deal. The OVMC property, closed as a hospital last fall, is a sprawling property just south of Wheeling Creek. If city officials go ahead with the acquisition, it would be the biggest municipal government property deal, by far, for many years.
Those who worry about it might be less concerned if municipal government -- not just the current City Council but also its predecessor -- had a better record in redeveloping old buildings.
But memories remain fresh of the 1107-1109 Main Street deal. Council members who served prior to the current body spent $300,000 to buy the dilapidated structures. Since then, about $350,000 more has been plowed into them to persuade a developer would take them off the city's hands, for a token payment.
Then there are the four buildings in the 1400 block of Market Street. They were purchased in late 2015 for about $300,000. An Arizona couple, also obtaining the properties for a nominal fee, hopes to repurpose the buildings. City participation in repairs and improvements has totaled more than $400,000.
One can understand why there would be concern about the OVMC proposal, which in size -- and potential pitfalls -- dwarfs the Main and Market street deals.
It is understandable that council members feel the need to discuss the matter in a closed session today. Such private meetings are normal when property acquisitions are involved. But before they take a final vote on the matter, council members should be able to discuss -- and defend -- it before the public.