BECKLEY, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – The City of Beckley is considering the purchase of a downtown building. The building, located at 313 Neville Street, has housed many businesses in the past, but its most recent pursuit was Zen’s Café.
City Recorder-Treasurer Billie Trump believes the building has been up for sale for close to four years.
In addition to the three-story building, the city also plans to purchase a parking lot across the street. The total value of both properties is roughly $1 million.
According to Trump, the city has identified a potential vendor who can use all three floors of the building for a restaurant-type business. This vendor has expressed interest in locating in Beckley.
This vendor would lease the building from the city and would still have to pay business and occupation (B&O) tax and the one percent sales tax. Trump says the goal is for said vendor to eventually purchase the building from the city.
In order for the city to purchase the property, they must have assurance that the vendor will stay in the area long-term. Additionally, the vendor would have to be approved by Beckley City Council on two separate occasions before being permitted to lease the building.
Trump says the need to present the reading at two separate council meetings would push the purchases to July at the earliest.
The city would purchase the building and parking lot using general funds and would not have to go through bonding like with other capital.
“There are still things that have to fall into place, but if we look at the possibility of long-term development, it’s a good thing,” Trump shared. “People talk about wanting to create jobs, and this will create jobs. They talk about wanting to introduce new businesses, and this is a new business. The city isn’t just paying lip service to these concerns; we are actually doing something to provide jobs and businesses.”
He continued, stating that a vendor with a long-term commitment to the city running a business downtown will increase foot traffic and help revive Beckley’s downtown area.
“A vacant building doesn’t help anybody. We want to get some business down there that can act as an anchor and show the city’s commitment to downtown revitalization.”
While the parking lot will provide parking for the new restaurant, it will also provide parking for WVU Tech students. Trump says as the college expands, so does their need for parking. He noted that the city will be putting a parking lot on Earwood Street to help with the issue.
Several Beckley residents have expressed a distaste for the possibility of the city purchasing the building and parking lot, saying the money could be better spent in other areas.
Trump did not comment on this.
