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With possible growth on the horizon for our region, one area in need of a deeper look is housing. This is not a new problem, but observations made at the recent Economic Outlook Conference sponsored by the Wheeling Area Chamber show that tackling the issue must be a priority.
Local realtor Bob Kennen of Kennen & Kennen told those in attendance of a family from Colorado that came here for work in Cameron. They ended up buying a home in Washington, Pa. and commuting daily because the housing stock in our region wasn't to their liking. "Particularly those relocating -- they hate our housing inventory," Kennen said.
A similar situation happened when the law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe opened the Global Operations Center in Center Wheeling about two decades ago. For years following its opening, a bus would run daily from Pennsylvania to transport workers here, and then take the home. The issue there, as well, was housing.
What's the fix?
Our region has some beautiful architecture in its existing homes, but we are limited on flat, buildable land. Many of those coming here want new homes. A way must be found to re-appropriate worn-down housing into new development. A lack of housing options can't be something that holds our region back in terms of development and population gain -- particularly with large projects such as Form Energy already announced. Jobs are great and needed, but so is growing our population.