Deanna McConaghey, a member of the Riverfront Development Committee, begs for an agreement between her volunteer group and New Martinsville City Council. (Photos by Amy Witschey)

What started out as a contentious disagreement between the Riverfront Development Committee and New Martinsville Council, specifically Committee #6 that includes oversight of the fire department, ended peacefully during the city council meeting July 6.

When Butch Showalter took the podium to speak at the meeting on behalf of the Riverfront Development Committee, he said the version of an agreement from Committee #6 concerning the development of property beside the Ohio Street Fire Station was “totally unacceptable to the Riverfront Development Committee.”

The agreement in question spelled out the transfer, from the NMVFD, of the property on the south side of North Street along the river to be developed by Riverfront as a park. The property would then be given to the New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Department to become part of the city’s parks system.

Riverfront had Attorney Logan Hassig draw up an agreement for the project and Committee #6 then made a couple revisions–including the requirement for a memorial to former Fire Chief Fred C. Oblinger who died in the line of action in 1934 and specification of 30 feet on the northern part of the lot to be reserved for the VFD. The latter revision was the one in question.

“I don’t see what the problem is,” said Committee #6 Chairperson Holly Grandstaff. She explained that the 30 feet in question was already designated as parking in the schematic drawing made by Riverfront. “All we did was put it in black and white. To me this is ridiculous. We are for Riverfront,” said Grandstaff. “I don’t get mad very often, but I am.”

Bryan Wilson, a longtime proponent of and worker toward riverfront development, asks, “What’s wrong with New Martinsville? Let’s wake up and do something. Let’s get this show on the road!”

Councilman Steve Pallisco, also chairperson of the Riverfront Development Committee, tried to explain the group’s stance. He said the fire department and development group had negotiated some small adjustments and the volunteer committee had spent 200 man hours tearing down the old VFD building on the property. “Then all of a sudden some changes come down,” emphasized Pallisco.

Mayor Lucille Blum, while holding an artist’s rendition of the future park for the audience to see, said, “I think a lot of this controversy is due to the way I interpreted a statement.” She thought the request was for 30 additional feet into the park, not the 30 feet already designed to be parking lot.

“Honestly, I think it’s the most foolish thing I’ve heard of to throw all of this to the wind because of a misunderstanding,” stated Blum.

“We have jumped through so many hoops. We are a non-profit that works our butts off,” said Pallisco, adding the development group is being abused and insulted and he won’t let it happen anymore.

“We (New Martinsville) should be the leader in most categories (in the county), but we’re not because of crazy little things like this,” said Pallisco. “We’re building something to remain there and make money for the parks department.”

Councilman Steve Pallisco, left, speaks while Mayor Lucille Blum holds an artist's rendering of the proposed riverfront park.

Deanna McConaghey, a member of the Riverfront Development Committee, walked to the front of the council chambers and spoke, turning first to Pallisco and expressing her appreciation for him. She then turned to the audience and said, “These are good people, but one person doesn’t represent us all. Some of us want to work this out. Can we give just a little to make this happen?” she asked. “I’m asking. I’m begging you please, let’s come together and make this happen–whatever it takes.”

The room of approximately 40 people applauded.

Bryan Wilson, also a member of Riverfront, took the podium and said he has been involved in trying to get New Martinsville’ riverfront developed for many years. When the push for that kind of thing began all the cities on the river had plans; they have all been developed except in New Martinsville. “Now what’s wrong with New Martinsville?” he asked. “Let’s wake up and do something. Let’s get this show on the road!”

His speech was also met with applause.

Finally Grandstaff made a motion to accept the agreement as presented by Committee #6. It was seconded by Councilman Joel Potts III, who asked for a roll call vote. Each councilperson, including Pallisco, voted in favor of the measure. The final decision was met with applause, including a few audience members who rose to their feet in visual agreement.

The former New Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department on the riverfront property in question is already partially dismantled and removed.