Letter to the Editor: Think of the possibilities
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I was elated to hear about the donation of the property at 714 Market St., Parkersburg, to the Urban Renewal Authority at the Dec. 20 meeting.
As a child, I remember going into this building for hot chocolate during the Christmas parade, in what was then the G.C. Murphy's Store. Later, when I worked for the local Blue Cross organization in the Union Trust Building, I watched as Gregory K. Smith and the board of Directors (and contractors) developed this building into a modern office location for the growing Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield corporate office.
This building is in the heart of our downtown, and it would make a great new location for affordable housing in the downtown area. With the right vision from the Parkersburg and Wood County development offices, it could enhance and grow our downtown area. Remembering how vibrant our downtown used to be, think about the possibilities!
Why not add a retail space, such as a local market or drugstore in one of these storefronts, in addition to adding affordable housing? I remember when we had a local drugstore down Market Street from the Dils Center. It was THE place to go, if in the middle of the day, you needed gum, cough drops or many other items. Since this drugstore closed, employees and residents must travel outside downtown to obtain needed items. While we have several new businesses lining Market Street, those employees, and any new residents will need an additional local place to shop and or pick up needed supplies. Why not have a place downtown?
Just think about the possibilities of revitalization of this entire area, especially with the new designation as an Historic District, expanding the opportunities for grant funding for all the buildings inside this new designation.
Sue Ellen Waybright
Parkersburg