THE GREAT PUMPKIN IS HERE!!

Michael Fador, Jr. recently donated a 924 pound pumpkin to the City of St. Clairsville. Fador grew the pumpkin for the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival which was held from September 23rd to September 27, 2009. This Great Pumpkin has found a new home outside the City Municipal building at 100 N. Market Street. A boom truck from the St. Clairsville Electric Department was used to manuvere the pumpkin into place.

Pictured in the photos are Michael Fador, Jr., Brian Kralovic, Superintendent of Landscaping and Mike Chase, lineman for the Electric Department.

DOWNTOWN SHOPPING NIGHT

The second annual Downtown Shopping Night will be November 28th from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade

The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2009 beginning at 6:00 PM at the Courthouse Plaza.

Recycling Bins Moved

The recycling bins located on the fairgrounds have been moved to St. Clair Street by Neff Street. The public is invited to deposit recyclables at this location.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

None at this time.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION

Click here to see the 2009 FALL AND WINTER BROCHURE

Visit the web site for the Recreation Center at www.stcrec.com.

SPECIAL MEETING ON CLARENDON DEVELOPMENT

The purpose of tonight's special meeting of City Council is to discuss and determine the reuse of the Clarendon Building located in the heart of downtown Historic St. Clairsville. The design uses in consideration are that of a Hotel/Restaurant or Office/Restaurant. Director of Public Services, Dennis Bigler, explained that a questionnaire had been mailed to the property owners in the downtown district and the rest randomly distributed throughout the city residents to approximately 400 surveys. Another 100 surveys were emailed to city residents.

The survey, a copy of which can be viewed by clicking this link, explained the current situation of the Clarendon building with respect to the development.The City of St. Clairsville has been actively seeking an independent developer to complete the Clarendon as a Hotel/Restaurant. There have been a total of 8 serious lookers, 7 of which thought it would work as a hotel but take time to develop and be successful. The last did not think it would work. In all it is a matter of risk.

The City of St. Clairsville is facing a deadline with respect to grant funding issued for the development of the Clarendon. In order to keep the funding, the building must be operational by 2011. Therefore, the City is exploring the option of being the "last developer of choice" and developing the building itself. With this in mind, Bigler wanted input from the residents of the City of St. Clairsville and therefore sent the surveys asking which option residents would be in favor of: (1)Hotel/Restaurant or (2)Office/Restaurant.

A total of 154 responses were returned from the survey, 80 favored the hotel/restaurant and 74 favored the office/restaurant. Of the downtown owners, 22 out of 73 responded with 12 in favor of a hotel and 10 in favor of offices.

Some of the comments returned on the surveys in favor of a hotel were:

There is already enough office space in St. Clairsville and some are empty.
A Historic Hotel restored would be an asset as the center point of the downtown district.
A hotel would bring people into town during special events
A hotel would be nice for visitors to residents
Specialty shops could be developed in the lobby as well as throughout Main St.
A hotel would promote tourism in town that would benefit all the shops.
A hotel/restaurant should serve breakfast and dinner.
Rooms for conferences and wedding could be available.
A hotel would have the most potential for the dollar.
Perhaps install a stage for small theatre groups or bands.

Some of the comments returned with regards to the office space were:

There is not enough office space in St. Clairsville
Office space could be custom designed to fit an office tenant.
Use of space to make the City offices accessible.
Office space would be permanent
Office space would have "cutting edge" technology.
There should be a marketing study completed.

Bigler explained that much work, including a marketing study, has already been completed. Jill Lucidi, Finance Director, said that the City would lose tax money if the building is used for government offices.

Comments continued that there is a question of occupancy with both the hotel and office option. A criticism of the office option is that it would indeed compete with other office space in the downtown area.

The second major goal of the hotel option is the economic spinoff to the downtown area. The possibility exists of smaller shops opening and increased business for the existing shops.

A criticism for the hotel would be that if it fails, it could quickly become a cash drain as it would have to be staffed and maintained.

Commissioner Ginny Favede attended this evening and added that she encourages City Council members to read through the CITY OF ST CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO Historic Downtown District Revitalization Plan authored by Dennis Bigler and available through his office or on the city web site. She reminded Council that the "mission is economic development" and quoted: "In communities all across the country, it has been repeatedly proven that economic development is synonymous with historic preservation."

Favede continued by urging Council to "Stay the Course". The City of St. Clairsville is a progressive town. Remembering the America In Bloom competition, she stated that it wasn't just a "flower show" but a chance for St. Clairsville to expand in many areas and brought national recognition to our town.

She stated that there is approximately 90% occupancy rate in the downtown area right now and have heard comments that if the City chooses the office option, individuals would no longer be inclined to purchase or build in the area. Commissioner Favede said that Belmont County Tourism has invested in the renovation of the old Sheriff's residence to open a Tourism office. This would greatly enhance the hotel option as it is located directly across the street and would assist travelers. There are three points to consider in this discussion: the first being that the downtown was renovated in the last 80's, the Tourism Council will be opening the Tourism office and the Clarendon would be the anchor of all three points. She finished by saying that tourism is something that has to be created. You cannot wait for it to happen and then proceed with these types of plans.

Dennis Bigler added that the value of the construction often exceeds the building value. Keep in mind that there hasn't been a lot of investment in the downtown area since the revitalization. Government funds cannot continue to be used for the renovation of the downtown buildings. The amounts that the government offers does not change so the amount offered in the 80's is the same offered now but it buys less. Property owners in the downtown area would not be encouraged to keep their properties looking as nice as they do now if the Clarendon was allowed to be destroyed or run down. Bigler stated that if the building was destroyed, it would be the ruin of the downtown area as it is today and it would not take long. The strategy behind the Historic Downtown District Revitalization Plan is how you can build value and the Clarendon is included in that plan.

Mayor Robert Vincenzo said that the City of St. Clairsville has exhausted many avenues and endeavors. The City has not been able to secure anyone to become interested in developing the Clarendon. He is concerned about the office space option because of the other vacancies throughout the city. The economy also plays a role in the decision as it limits our options. Everything stagnated, explained Mayor Vincenzo. If he had to pick tonight, he would be unsure of his decision. He would lean toward the hotel option but it is a risk. He said that medical offices could be built there but that would take from the hospitals who are building offices within or next to the hospitals for their doctors.

Mayor Vincenzo said that it worries him that the City would be an operator. He never intended for that to happen.

Planning and Zoning Officer, Tom Murphy, explained that he would like to see the hotel reborn. The comments he has heard this evening are consistent with others he has heard in the past. He has also heard the comments about the local hotels but pointed out that the occupancy rate of the local hotels run above the national average.

Bigler confirmed that the averages slightly exceed the national average but added that a hotel of this type, meaning restoring the Clarendon to it's historic past, would be the only hotel of its type in the Wheeling market. Bigler added "If the City doesn't step in, who will? No one." To tear it down would be the beginning of the downtown deterioration.

There have been other cities that have taken on the position of developer of last resort. The City of St. Clairsville has an excellent record of development citing the success of the National Road Bikeway which was opposed in its original stages. Bigler explained that very little of the city's money would be involved in the project so that if the hotel failed, the city wouldn't lose a lot of its own funds.

Attorney John Estadt, having sat in attendance listening to the comments made this evening asked if the City developed it as a hotel, could it be sold further down the road. The answer was yes it could and it is hoped that having completed the project, there would be more interest.

Estadt said that his favorite phase is "Is this a great country or what?" He has been in St. Clairsville since the 70's and believes that the government is "of the people, for the people, by the people." He feels that the City shouldn't be competing against the people by developing the space as office space which would directly compete with the downtown area.

Council President Pat Bruhn concluded the discussion by asking each member of council for his opinion on the matter.

Michael Kasper - Kasper explained that he is worried and scared about the hotel option. But he feels that if we don't do something, Council would be letting the City down. A hotel could encourage other businesses to open and boost existing businesses. Kasper feels it will be a risk in either direction. Office space will be expensive and will take from the downtown businesses. Kasper voted for the hotel option.
Jake Olsavsky - Olsavsky stated that he feels the same way as Michael Kasper. He explained that there are hotels of the same nature in the outskirts of Cleveland that have tea rooms and restaurants. They seem to be doing well. He feels if it doesn't succeed, the space could be reverted back to offices. Olsavsky also said that if the City finishes the hotel, perhaps the 8 serious developers that were here would see the potential.
Tim Porter - Porter does not feel there is any value in the office option to the community. A hotel will be risky but we started from day one assuming it would be a hotel and we should follow through. The marketing issue is going to be the thing. The hotel has to be ready to fly when it is done which means strong marketing. This hotel is not slated for the usual pass through traveler that many of the local hotels receive. This is for the upper rate traveler looking for tourism.
John Bukmir - Mr. Bukmir said that he stated his position at the last meeting and that hasn't changed. He made no further comment.
Frank Sabatino - Sabatino stated that the building was designed for a hotel and should stay a hotel but he does not think we are a big enough player for a hotel. He tends to be more conservative in his thinking and feels the City should stick to the office option. He is fearful the City will have to use tax payers money.
Perry Jones - Jones said that 8 developers came and reviewed the building and they know the hotel business. He repeated that 7 said it would work but be risky and one said it would not work at all. Jones continued by saying that these developers are professionals and could see the potential even without having it finished. "It isn't a 'build it and they will come' situation." stated Jones referring to the remark made by Jake Olsavsky. Jones finished by saying he would hate to use the taxpayers money and lose it.
Bigler interjected that each developer that reviewed the building were being asked to make a $1,000,000 investment to the project, $500,000 for the hotel and $500,000 for the restaurant. With that in mind, they didn't know the market for the area and did not want to take the risk.
Jim Weisgerber - Weisgerber feels that the hotel option would be a risky business. His heart is saying hotel but he doesn't think it is going to fly.

The Mayor's final comment was to bring up the LaFayette Hotel in Marietta. It is surrounded by other familiar chains of hotels and they are still competing. It is a historic hotel and although the current economy has slowed its business, it is still operational. It has small meeting rooms for conferences and a restaurant.

A motion was made to accept and proceed to develop the Clarendon building as a hotel. The motion was passed five in favor and two against.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.

COMMUNITY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CHIP)

If your house is in need of repair or you are looking to purchase a home, the City of St. Clairsville's CHIP Program may be able to help. The City of St. Clairsville has funds available for different types of housing activities. Plan to attend a public meeting on April 14, 2009.Click here for more details.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE COMMUNITY GARDEN

In May 2009 initial plots of the St. Clairsville Community Garden will be planted. The community garden is one feature in the master plan for the construction of a park on the city-owned fairgrounds. While the majority of the park plans can not be implemented until after the 2009 Belmont County Fair, the community garden is located on land adjacent to the fairgrounds. The master plan can be seen in the J.B. Martin Recreation and Senior Center or by clicking on the image of the park listed further on this page.

Initial plans of the community garden include (31) 10' X 10' garden plots, (10) 5' X 10' garden plots, a children's garden, a demonstration garden by the Master Gardeners of the Ohio State University Extension Office, composting bins, and educational sessions. Residents of St. Clairsville recently received a questionnaire in their utility bill pertaining to the community garden. The feedback from the questionnaires will help determine the final size / type of plots offered and which classes and events will be scheduled. For a small fee, community garden plots will be first available to residents of St. Clairsville, then to non-residents. Anyone with a plot this year is guaranteed a plot next year. Anyone wanting more information please contact Bev Goodridge, Community Garden Coordinator, 740-296-5052 begooder@comcast.net

Plots will be assigned after your application and fee have been received. Applications are available in the City Building or by clicking the application link below. The yearly fee is $10 for a 5' X 10' plot and $20 for a 10' X 10' plot. An additional $5 fee will be charged to non-residents. Payments can be made in person or mailed to: City of St. Clairsville, Attn: Kathy Kaluger, PO Box 537, St. Clairsville, OH 43950. Donations to help sponsor the demonstration garden or children's garden will be gladly accepted.

Guidelines and Application for Community Garden

PLANS FOR FUTURE PARK ANNOUNCED

Mayor Robert Vincenzo introduced a future project to City Council members and the public that will merit the magnitude of other projects throughout the City, such as the National Road Bikeway. The Mayor introduced plans for the renovation of the former fairgrounds to a community park.

The Mayor first prefixed his unveiling by explaining that back in 1869, 7.63 acres of property was deeded to the Belmont County Agricultural Society as a gift to hold an "annual meeting" which became known as the annual Belmont County Fair. The deed further stipulated that this 7.63 acres could not be sold but would revert back to the City of St. Clairsville should the Agricultural Society no longer use it for its "meeting".

Over the course of time, the Belmont County Agricultural Society purchased additional property both to the north and south of the original 7.63 acres as the fair grew. Four years ago, the City of St. Clairsville bought the additional property to the north of the original deeded property for $1,000,000 dollars. The school district purchased the land to the south and the original property was deeded back to the City as the Belmont County Agricultural Society was making plans to move the fair to the new fairgrounds west of the city.

The City agreed to allow the fair to continue its annual operation of the fair for four years. The Belmont County Fair planned for September of 2009 will be the last fair held at the original fairgrounds. With this in mind, the City and the School District began to make plans for the property for after the fair.

One situation encountered was that the City owned the property to the north which is adjacent to other school-owned property such as the football field, the school complex itself as well as the press box. The School owned property in the southern end closer to property already owned by the City such as the old electric shop and property across St. Clair street. An agreement was reached between the two so that the school now owns the upper property and the City owns the lower property making the future plans more viable for the community.

With this in mind, the City began to explore options for the property with the help of Gabe Hays and Phillip Cole of Hays Landscape Architecture Studio, LTD. A design for a multi-faceted community park was unveiled to City Council. This project is expected to take several years to fully complete with sections of it beginning as soon as this coming spring.

Included in the design are several specific areas such as:

(Click on the image for a larger, more detailed view.)

A picnic grove located close to the main entrance off of S. Sugar St. This is an area intended to allow residents, students or workers in the downtown area to perhaps enjoy their lunch in an outdoor setting.
An Events Hall - The current 4H building will be renovated to a banquet events hall that could possibly hold 500 to 600 people.
Designated Parking - The parking area which is now gravel with no markings, will be organized with a specific traffic pattern and designated parking spaces.
A Community Garden - The first project slated to begin this spring will be a fenced-in area with individual plots of land available for residents to rent for gardening. The design includes a gazebo with raised planting beds for the handicapped.
A Pedestrian Pathway - As with the bikeway, the pedestrian path running through the park will be wide enough for emergency vehicles but will be designated for pedestrian traffic only. Ballasts will be installed on either end to prevent vehicle traffic.
An Amphitheater - The amphitheater is designed to hold approximately 2,500 people on the inner most circle and up to 3,500 when the outer areas surrounding the amphitheater are included. The staging area will be closed in on both ends allowing use for large events and weddings. There will be more shelters and restroom areas here also.
Large Fountain - There will be a large fountain which will be the focal point of that area. The fountain will be large enough for children to play in during hot summer days.
A Green Area located past the amphitheater will allow an area for play and relaxation.
A Sports Green is planned for the lower end of the park. This area is intended to have two basketball courts, a roller hockey court and a sand volley ball court. There will be additional parking close to this area for easy access with sports equipment.
A Dog Park similar to what is currently in existence in bigger cities is planned for the park. This would be an enclosed area where people can bring their dogs and allow them to run freely and interact with other dogs. This is a great social gathering area for pet lovers.
An Additional Picnic Area on the eastern end will tie the park together acting as a "book end" with the picnic area slated for the entrance area.
Additional Parking will be located off of St. Clair Street.

The plan unveiled this evening is a proposal of what could be based on the type of services people would like to see available in St. Clairsville. Hays further explained that "private sector assistance is key" to a project of this magnitude. The public has expressed a desire for this type of recreational area and there are those people who will come forward to assist with donations or fund raising.

The park, referred to today as "St. Clairsville Central Park" would be a "means to an end". Once the entire park is completed, it should be a revenue generating area. Two areas that will be slated for first-pick projects would be the events hall and the community garden. The community garden, slated to open in the spring of 2009, will generate funds sooner than the event hall. Work on the events hall cannot begin until after the last Belmont County Fair in September of 2009. Once completed, the events hall would also become a revenue generating arena for the park.

The "St. Clairsville Central Park" project is considered to be a "menu of items" contained in one recreational park. This project, once completed, will be the pride of St. Clairsville to last for generations to come.

Anyone interested in further information should contact the Director of Public Services office at 100 N. Market St., St. Clairsville, Ohio, 740-695-0156. Click here to send an email to the Director of Public Services.