Published: April 22, 2008 04:24 pm            

Town withdraws annexation request

FAYETTEVILLE — Fayetteville town officials have agreed to withdraw a request for annexation of a portion of W.Va. 16.

In March, the town applied to the Fayette County Commission for a minor boundary adjustment to cover the portion of the roadway that leads from the county seat west to The Ledges housing development, a gated community off Belmont Road which is already annexed into town boundaries.

At Friday’s meeting, commissioners expressed some concerns, with the main idea being that they would like to see how West Virginia American Water’s proposal to purchase the town’s water and sewer systems evolves.

“The bigger argument is whether we can measure a benefit for the residents of Fayetteville and Fayette County,” said commissioner Matt Wender, who is worried that annexing the stretch of highway will lead to an influx of similar requests from other municipalities that might not be in the county’s best interests. “To just annex the corridor is zero gain and zero loss.

“Speaking for the commission, I would request the town withdraw (its application) and re-submit ... once we know the outcome of the West Virginia American Water purchase and hear from (the company) how they plan to extend sewer services.”

After huddling with Mayor Jim Akers and Town Superintendent Bill Lanham outside the commission meeting room, Grady Ooten, the town’s attorney, said the application will be withdrawn. Earlier, Ooten stressed that the move would not force annexation on residents or businesses along W.Va. 16, but they could apply to hook up to the sewer system if they so desire. According to the West Virginia American proposal, residents or businesses who choose annexation would be given first option for sewer service. The annexation would also allow the Fayetteville Police Department to be within town jurisdiction when responding to calls at The Ledges, Ooten said.

“There are a school of reasons for (supporting) this,” he said. “To my knowledge, I can’t think of a true detriment to the public.”

In regards to one particular concern he said had been expressed — increased patrolling by the town’s police department resulting in more speeding citations being issued — Ooten said, “I don’t understand a detriment to enforcement of the law.”

Local residents Levi and Margie Stanley were the only people to speak during the public hearing portion of the meeting. They said they were mainly there to seek information on the plan, not to express approval or disapproval.

Another resident, Eric Autenreith, was also present but did not speak during the public hearing portion. Afterwards, he reiterated previous concerns that Fayetteville officials need to get serious about altering the town’s comprehensive plan, which is 40 years old.

Citing several growth-related instances in the past four years, Autenreith said the town must move to update the plan. “Fayetteville has proven its reluctance to plan for the future,” Autenreith said. “Since February of 2004, Fayetteville has acknowledged the need for long-range planning and done nothing.

“Without community planning we are doomed to struggle with every change that comes along. Planning helps communities protect what is good, fix what isn’t so good and guide the growth in a positive way.”

— E-mail:

skeenan@register-herald.com

        

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