| Calhoun Banks have approached the Town of Grantsville to conduct a feasibility study on the old town hall and fire department site.
The site survey will reportedly allow the bank to evaluate the vacant site for the construction of a new facility sometime in the future.
An earlier town council voted to place any sale of the property before the voters.
Council approved the bank's request by a vote of 3-1.
Mayor Gary Knight says the "materials are here" to upgrade the town's tennis courts, linked to a $5,000 grant the town received for the project.
"We have had difficulty coordinating the presence of volunteers on the same evening," he said, indicating there is a
scheduled "park day" this Saturday.
"The primary goal that day will be completion of the tennis courts," he said.
In another matter the mayor said complaints regarding a sidewalk and wall in front of Calhoun Reality has raised the issue of who is responsible for sidewalk replacement in the town.
"The sidewalk issue has long been a topic of debate, discussion and
contention. I really don't know for sure," Knight said.
"To the best of my
knowledge, the town has traditionally taken the responsibility of
providing sidewalks and major repair. It has been the property owner's responsibly for upkeep like snow and debris removal and for any
accidents that may occur on sidewalks adjacent to their property," he said.
"Again,
I don't really have the definitive answer and have been unsuccessful in
finding anyone who does," Knight concluded.
Burned-out houses and falling-down buildings, continues to be a problem for Grantsville.
Knight, referring to two burned out properties, said "We expect removal of both burned out houses
soon. Both properties have been sold and I have been assured that removal
is forthcoming."
"Actually, the Smith house on Court St., recently
purchased by Dr. Cinalli, is to be removed soon. The one on River
Street is reportedly to be cleaned-up soon," he said.
"I am not sure of the status of the Smith house on Johnson
addition. I believe that case is still pending."
Regarding the Rainbow Hotel, which is in major disrepair and is considered to be a threatening fire trap, Knight said
"The town does not have the means to either compel or facilitate
the razing of any building regardless of the condition it is in. It is my
understanding, however, that previous attempts have been made toward
having the building officially condemned without success."
"I have been in
contact with the building inspector from Spencer and have sent him a copy
of our ordinances."
"I have been working on putting together a building
committee. Such a committee requires that we have a certified building
inspector."
"In my conversation with the inspector from Spencer, he
verified what I believed all along. We still cannot compel people to
tear down their buildings. He did tell me that Spencer condemns, buys
and razes the buildings at their own expense."
"That is not a feasible
approach for us. I welcome all ideas." he said.
Knight said "The
burnings of the Elizabeth and Creston buildings are somewhat of a wake-up
call. And, I don't need to tell anybody what it could mean to this
entire block if the Rainbow were to catch on fire."
"I cannot stress enough how very difficult it is to enact and carry out any kind of action toward the razing of burned, dilapidated, condemned buildings."
Knight did say the WV legislature did enact some laws regarding insurance companies reporting to municipalities regarding settlements, which would involve insurance money going toward demolition.
"One would
think these people would have enough consideration to take the money
given them for demolition and do that for the sake of their neighbors and
community," Knight concluded. | 
