Wheeling City Council Meeting – May 19, 2026

The Wheeling City Council met on May 19, 2026, to address a demolition contract, public comments on historic preservation, council member remarks, city manager reports, and several original propositions. The meeting opened with a prayer and pledge of allegiance, followed by roll call (quorum present) and approval of the May 5, 2026 meeting minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kirby Pringle (104 14th Street) expressed strong opposition to the city's demolition practices. He argued that buildings 50 years or older with cultural, historic, or architectural significance should be preserved. He requested an environmental impact report or historic structures report before demolitions, criticized current urban development policies as "disastrous," and urged the council to consult a professional historian. He noted a large group of frustrated residents shared his concerns.

Discussion Items

• Demolition Contract (Ordinance) – The council considered an ordinance authorizing a $104,800 expenditure with Edge Co of Lansing, Ohio for abatement and demolition of ten properties, funded by a West Virginia CDBG grant. City Manager Heron explained the buildings underwent a rigorous evaluation by the building department and the Historic Landmarks Commission. He noted the state may not fully fund the contract. The ordinance was approved after a motion and second.
• Streetscape & Bioswales – During the city manager's report, Councilwoman Kane raised concerns about a vehicle driving into a bioswale. Heron explained the bioswales are part of stormwater management required for the streetscape project and that fencing was not planned, comparing it to Heritage Port where walking near the river is permitted.
• Fireworks and Four-Way Stop (Original Propositions) – Two ordinances were introduced: one to create a four-way stop at 18th and Wood Street, and another authorizing $66,000 for a fireworks display with the Wheeling Symphony. No vote was taken on these ordinances; they were read and may be considered at a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved – Meeting minutes from May 5, 2026, were approved unanimously.
• Demolition Ordinance Adopted – Ordinance authorizing $104,800 for demolition of ten properties passed.
• Resolution Adopted – Resolution approving the fiscal year 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Programs, authorizing the annual action plan filing with HUD, was approved unanimously.
• Hall of Fame Board Minutes – Minutes from April 14, 2026, were held over for further review.
• Mayor's Report – Congratulated the Wheeling Nailers on winning a game in the Eastern Conference Finals and wished residents a safe Memorial Day weekend.
• Council Remarks – Councilwoman Kane thanked volunteers for a downtown cleanup, noted paving improvements on South Entable Street, and urged community support for the Nailers. Councilman Palmer reminded of the Ward 6 crime watch meeting and Memorial Day weekend travel adjustments. Councilman Sarrow had no remarks.
• City Manager Report – Provided updates: Clay School demolition is 50% complete; Glenwood Road slip project completed, paving next week; streetscape project nearing completion on Market Street and cross streets, with landscaping turnover expected within two weeks; bioswales are functioning as stormwater management, with accidents considered unfortunate but not prompting changes.