Brittany Coon

The meeting agenda focused on several key items including general public comments on non-agenda matters, approval of the February 12, 2026 minutes, and consideration of unfinished and new business. Unfinished business included a minor subdivision request (SUB26-005) for 260 S. High Street, which involved property consolidation to ensure compliance with R-1A district lot provisions. New business centered on proposed amendments to City Code Articles 367, 1329, 1331, 1358, and 1385 to establish requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and update Site Plan Review Standards, which the Commission recommended forwarding to City Council as consistent with the Comprehensive Plan (Morgantown 2033). Other items involved a zoning map amendment (MAP26-), a tabled minor subdivision (SUB26-), and a Type III Site Plan review (SP25-110-) for a proposed townhome development, which involved significant discussion regarding parking, noise exposure near an airport boundary, and required variance relief.

The matters of business scheduled for this meeting include New Business items pertaining to land use regulations. Specifically, the Board is set to consider a variance request regarding lighting and design standards for signage for WVU Medicine at 1 Medical Center Drive in an R-1 district. Additionally, the Board will review a request to transfer a Conditional Use Permit for Morgantown Art Bar to Walnut Hospitality, LLC, to operate a restaurant and private club use at 268 High Street in a B-4 district.

The meeting included a presentation and introduction from Compass Point Planning regarding the city's efforts to update signage regulations in the planning and zoning code, specifically Article 1369. A public hearing was held concerning an ordinance for a gas line easement at 495 Falling Run Road. During unfinished business, Caleb McClung was appointed to the Human Rights Commission. The consent agenda included approval of the gas line easement ordinance (second reading) and the first reading of an ordinance amending Article 1373 concerning non-conforming uses, which aims to establish a process to revive abandoned non-conforming uses. A resident spoke during the public portion regarding concerns about code enforcement issues in their neighborhood, including a condemned structure and an old dump truck full of trash. Another resident addressed the council regarding the process for appeals related to revitalizing old structures, suggesting that appeals be handled by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) rather than the City Council to maintain separation between legislation and arbitration.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the slate of officers. Key discussions revolved around project updates in the Greenmont area, including progress on the Greenmont pedestrian bridge, which is expected to be completed in late spring/early summer. Concept plans for park and green space improvements are underway, with retaining wall samples being reviewed, and updates on Pennsylvania Avenue improvements were also provided. A structural change request was made to move the report of officers and directors to follow the business matters. The treasurer's report detailed account balances. The property management committee reviewed processes for handling incoming properties, which will be refined and presented next month. Staff reported on an informative community visioning session for Greenmont, noting openness to multi-unit housing, desire for craftsman/cottage style designs, and concerns regarding density transitions, environmental impact, and green space preservation. Outreach efforts are ongoing with similar regional agencies, with one potential partnership scheduled for the May agenda. Additionally, updates were given on new tenants at the Spruce Center building. The status of the comprehensive prospectus development, which is nearing completion with a target draft date in March, was reviewed, along with plans to incorporate community feedback and demographic data, and potential use of promotional videos. Unfinished business covered the demolition and seeding status of several properties (570, 635, and 637 Pennsylvania, and 637 Brockway) and the ongoing process for others (300 Overdale Street, 121 Kingwood Street, and 612 Arlington Avenue). Action items included consulting on lower Greenmont assessments and exploring affordable housing developer acumen and best practices, which is temporarily paused pending the prospectus completion. Staff also reported presenting best practices to the city council for addressing housing affordability issues, including ADUs and inclusionary zoning, and initiating an RFP for a comprehensive overhaul of the city's zoning and land development ordinances.

The Committee of the Whole meeting for the Morgantown City Council focused on the presentation of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. Key discussion points included the city's fiscal context, which involves flat or declining revenue streams, rising operational and personnel costs, and increasing service demands, despite Moderia County showing growth. The finance director detailed revenue projections, noting that property tax rates remain unchanged and municipal sales tax collections have stabilized but are being presented in pre-inflation dollars. A significant recalibration of the fiscal year carryover methodology was highlighted, leading to a lower actual carryover amount, which prompted the implementation of expenditure controls and vacancy freezes. The proposed budget emphasizes aligning expenditures with available resources, avoiding the use of one-time funds for recurring expenses, with only $1 million allocated for one-time use. Furthermore, the budget includes no new positions and zero cost of living adjustments, although built-in step increases for the current workforce are maintained. The allocation of the Municipal Service Fee (MSF) revenue towards police, streets, and public works was also reviewed.