RCAA withdraws shelter bid for Freewill Baptist location

BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Raleigh County Action Association appears to have withdrawn its application Monday for the relocation of the Raleigh County Emergency Housing Center to the current Freewill Baptist Church location.

This news comes just one day ahead of a scheduled public hearing at which the Raleigh County Board of Zoning Appeals would have heard statements, both written and spoken, from those who wished to comment on the matter.

The hearing was scheduled to be held at 5:00pm on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at the Raleigh County Commission Courtroom.

It is speculated that discontent stemming from residents in and around the area – 132 Faith Drive in Beckley – may have contributed to the decision to withdraw the application, though this has not been confirmed.

No reason was reportedly given for the withdrawal, which Raleigh County Assistant Administrator Billy Michael revealed occurred on Monday morning.

No statement from the Raleigh County Action Association has been provided at this time regarding future plans for the emergency shelter, currently located on South Eisenhower Drive.

The Raleigh County Commission will convene on Tuesday morning for their regularly scheduled meeting. For more information visit the RCC website here.