Sunday, August 10, 2025
63.8 F
Beckley
More

    Tyler development group looks to Ohio model for success

    A group of Tyler County residents is looking to a county in Ohio for an economic solution required to rebuild a similar historical landmark in West Virginia.

    Advertisement

    Members of the Tyler Citizens Action Group met Wednesday at Middlebourne to discuss the success of a landmark in , that's and community center.

    This restored building in Cadiz, Ohio, has served as a civic and community center since being preserved.

    State officials have offered the Tyler County Commission help financing the restoration, and spokesperson Earnie Pelikan says the effort, as in Ohio, must be pursued with economic strategy.

    "The state has offered to help the county secure grants to cover 50 percent of the cost, but we think that everyone can agree this has to be founded in economic viability and cannot cost taxpayers additional money," Pelikan said.

    Advertisement

    "That's our limit. It's why we want to enlist residents to build an economic engine. We need a feasibility study. It's why we're looking at the fraternal twin in Ohio. How can Tyler County do this even better?"

    Pelikan says members are inviting other community groups to offer their opinions on investment and wish to open the group to members who would be interested in finding the resources to improve other historic and natural landmarks across the county.

    "We encourage everyone to consider options that would help everyone promote tourism and careful economic development—not only with regard to the Poor Farm but throughout the county," she said.

    The citizen's action group has been working with the , which assessed the cost of restoration of the building to be "less than a million dollars," despite quotes that estimate the cost of a multi-million dollar remodel.

    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement

    Members have also established a dialogue with the West Virginia Hub and Wheeling Heritage in an effort to help establish a plan that can benefit the county.

    "It's not the time for a multi-million dollar investment," she said. "It's time to stabilize the building and determine what can be done. If Ohio can do it, we can do it better."

    Plans to demolish the property have made waves across the state, culminating in in the Charleston Gazette-Mail.

    "The story in the Charleston newspaper attracted the attention of many at the statehouse who are watching to see what Tyler County can manage," Pelikan said.

    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement

    Members of the group are scheduled to speak at the Tyler County Commission meeting this week.


    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    Clyde Craig
    Clyde Craighttp://wvexplorer.com
    Clyde Craig is a writer for West Virginia Explorer. Born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, he traveled with his family across the globe with the U.S. Army before returning to the Mountain State in 2011.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    The captivating West Virginia legend of Kanawha Falls and her daughters

    GAULEY BRIDGE, W.Va. — Though beautiful, the following tale...

    Forgotten Drawdy Falls in West Virginia inspiring new generation to care

    PEYTONA, W.Va. — Drawdy Falls, one of the most...

    The Pickens Leper: a tragic journey into isolation in the W.Va. mountains

    PICKENS, W.Va. — In the remote Allegheny Mountains of...

    West Virginia Waterfall Trail surpasses an unexpected 125,000 check-ins

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Waterfall Trail has...

    At tip of W.Va.'s northern panhandle, "Point of Beginning" marks start of the West

    EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio — Some say that the American...

    Topics

    The captivating West Virginia legend of Kanawha Falls and her daughters

    GAULEY BRIDGE, W.Va. — Though beautiful, the following tale...

    The Pickens Leper: a tragic journey into isolation in the W.Va. mountains

    PICKENS, W.Va. — In the remote Allegheny Mountains of...

    West Virginia Waterfall Trail surpasses an unexpected 125,000 check-ins

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Waterfall Trail has...

    Top 10 largest West Virginia cities by population (2025)

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia cities and towns vary...

    Jackson’s Mill Jubilee set to crown best homemade pie in West Virginia

    WESTON, W.Va. — Nothing speaks to West Virginia tradition...

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories