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Council approves zone change for WVU Medicine site, accepts planning commission denial on 100 Pinnell and authorizes eminent‑domain authority for Greenmont lot
Summary
The council approved a rezoning to accommodate WVU Medicine’s Eye Institute (1st reading), received a planning commission recommendation to deny a reclassification at 100 Pinnell Street and voted to authorize eminent-domain proceedings if needed to acquire a Greenmont parcel for a CDBG open-space project; all three votes were recorded as passing 7–0.
Morgantown City Council on July 7 acted on multiple land-use items.
Director Yager presented a rezoning request for 990 Elmer Prince Drive to align the parcel with recent changes tied to WVU Medicine’s new Eye Institute and parking structure. The planning commission had found the proposed amendment consistent with the city’s land management plan and recommended approval; council approved the first reading of the rezoning ordinance by voice vote.
Council then considered a planning commission recommendation to deny a petition to reclassify 100 Pinnell Street from R1A (single‑family) to R2 (one‑ and two‑family). Director Yager summarized the commission’s finding that the rezoning was not consistent with the comprehensive plan and noted staff would explore options such as conditional use or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in light of recent state legislation. Council received and filed the planning commission’s recommendation and moved forward with related planning work.
The council also reviewed a proposed ordinance authorizing the city manager to institute eminent‑domain proceedings, if necessary, to acquire one remaining parcel in Lower Greenmont so that the city could complete a CDBG-funded open‑space acquisition. The ordinance directs staff to continue negotiations aiming for voluntary acquisition but authorizes eminent domain if title or estate issues prevent a timely voluntary closing. Council approved the ordinance on first reading; staff said negotiation remains preferred.
All three land‑use votes were recorded in the meeting as passing with unanimous support.
