Letter to the Editor: Dils location better for events center
Trending
An events center, no matter where located, will be a win win for the city of Parkersburg.
But, a location in our beautiful City Park would be an error. The potential traffic that this center would create would harm one of the park's primary uses as a walking park. Also, the ancillary economic possibilities would be none since the park is surrounded by private residences.
The best location for this events center is the Dils location in downtown Parkersburg. Yes, it is the only potential site that is not owned by the city. But, the recent transfers of this property (and the structure at the corner of Sixth and Market streets) would indicate that the purchase price should not be a major cost factor.
I was unable to obtain a copy of the feasibility study, but according to the article in the Sunday News and Sentinel, the plan was to renovate the existing structure.
The structure should be razed and a new building constructed in its place.
And best of all, the Dils property is adjacent to an underutilized parking garage that will accommodate over 300 vehicles! (Versus the allocated 116 spaces for the City Park location).
Also, instead of Market Street being closed for several events during the year, this center could be used instead and thus free up the street from being closed.
And most importantly, the economic benefit to our downtown is tremendous. This type of center will create several other businesses whose services will be needed by those attending the various events.
Wayne D. Waldeck
Parkersburg