Buckhannon Council gives first reading to vacate three alleys tied to WVWC property exchange

Buckhannon City Council held the first reading of Ordinance No. 469 on Aug. 1, 2024, proposing the vacation of three paper alleys — Silverbells Lane, Snowgoose Lane and Stewart Lane — that abut property owned by West Virginia Wesleyan College. The move is part of a property exchange the council previously authorized under Ordinance No. 463.

City Attorney Tom O'Neill presented the ordinance language and cited West Virginia Code Chapter 8, Article 12, Section 5(1) as the statutory authority permitting municipalities to vacate and close streets and alleys. O'Neill said the deed documents will state responsibilities for utilities, including the relocation of a water line the college agreed to move.

Council member Jack Reger moved the ordinance on first reading, Pam Bucklew seconded, and the motion passed on first reading; the transcript records that Council member Dave Thomas abstained on the motion. The ordinance text sets the effective date as 30 days after the second reading, passage and adoption.

Council members discussed delays in obtaining a required plot survey from a private surveyor (Mr. Bennett). City Attorney O'Neill said if the surveyor cannot deliver within an agreed week, staff will seek to recoup the deposit and engage Potesta & Associates to complete the survey. Council also discussed the status of an associated property swap and noted coordination with the college on utility relocations.

The ordinance returns for a second reading, passage and adoption at a future meeting; the transcript does not record a final vote or implementation date beyond the standard 30-day effective clause following adoption.