Morgantown, W.Va. — A proposal to move a new housing district forward in Morgantown has been put on hold.
The measure was on Tuesday’s council agenda but was met with concern from some on council and a Monongalia County commissioner.
Interim City Manager Glen Kelly, who was among those who expressed concern regarding the proposal, explained the delay is about getting clarity on the project not the project itself.
“We just wanted more time to read over and study it. And, we just wanted to make sure we answer all the questions before we moved it to a vote.”
The proposed housing project is expected to serve senior citizens, retirees and single parent families in the city’s third ward along Liberty and Braddock Streets.
The plan for construction includes tax increment financing.
If a TIF district is approved, it will become the fifth TIF housing district in Morgantown.
County Commissioner Tom Bloom expressed concern over that for the second time before council Tuesday.
He questions the ability to receive the full amount back from tax increment financing given for the housing district.
Kelly commented on the concerns and how they were in play when the project was proposed in the summer.
“We knew there were issues from before, that was before I came in as City Manager,” Kelly said. “Some of the stuff he brought up tonight obviously is pertinent and it was reiterated by Councilman Wes Nugent. So, time to work it.”
Kelly added that timing played in as one of the biggest factors in moving discussion to the next Committee of the Whole meeting for Morgantown Council.
“When it got pushed to us on Tuesday, which is deadline for packet day, it’s just a little too late for us to give it justice.”