October 20, 2025 • 36 mins
Monongalia Democrat Party Executive Committee Chairman Cal Carlson with reaction to the No Kings protest this weekend,.
The host talks about Morgantown housing and hmeless issues.
The host talks about Morgantown housing and hmeless issues.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
This is the Talk of the Town from Morgantown to Klucksburg.
If it's happening, we're talking about it. Call the show
toll free at one eight hundred seven sixty five eight
two fivey five. Now Here is your host for the
Talk of the Town, Mike Notting.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Good Monday morning, overcast forty seven in the University City.
Certainly glad to be back in Metro News. ACU Weather
says we'll see some sunshine today and high near sixty degrees,
a good Monday morning. Producing the program today, we have
Sophia Wassi. You'll be able to get Sophia at eight
(00:45):
hundred and seven sixty five eight two five five. And
of course the text line is ready in waiting because
we want to hear your thoughts that number three oh
four talk three oh four. Let's see, it's been a
tough log for WVU on the football field this year.
Let's see zero big twelve conference wins and four tries
(01:08):
and really just two wins and seven attempts overall this year.
Now UCF streaked by the Golden Blue over the weekend
forty five to thirteen. They'll return to Mylon Pushgar Stadium
this weekend but it's not going to get any easier.
TCU comes to Morgan Down for a six pm kickoff
(01:29):
on Saturday. You can read more about what coach Rich
Rodriguez says are working on leading up to that game.
He says some things are going to work on changing
and fixing right now, and other things are definitely going
to wait. But Joe Ricado has that story at Wvmetronews
(01:49):
dot com. And it is homecoming week in the University
City and beginning, let's see some activities begin next hour
at the Robert C. Bird Health Sciences Center. They'll have
the spirit truck on hand and looks like they'll be
passing out some swag and encouraging some team spirit for
(02:10):
the game against TCU coming up this Saturday. And once
again that is a six pm kickoff for the return
of the Mountaineers to Morgantown's certainly been a tough season
so far. Hopefully maybe they can, you know, work on
some things, maybe pull a rabbit out of their hat
coming up on Sunday. Well, hundreds turned out at various
(02:34):
locations throughout the state for No Kings rallies on Saturdays.
It is to call attention to what those in opposition
to the Trump administration are calling a drift to authoritarianism.
The largest rallies we're in West Virginia's biggest city, in
biggest cities, including Morgantown. More than two thousand attended the
(02:59):
event here Morgantown coming up at nine fifteen, we'll talk
with Cal Carlson. He's the chairman of the Mond County
Democrat Executive Committee. We'll talk to Cal and get his
thoughts on the rallies over the weekend. Governor Patrick Morrissey
set to hold a press event in Harrison County today.
(03:19):
They'll be making an announcement regarding water and who were infrastructure.
That's set to begin at eleven am this morning. Clarksburg
Water Board has been in the process of a major
rehabilitation project over the last three years and will have
updates as they become available. Commissioners in Montngelia County and
(03:41):
they're making some changes to their health insurance system and
county employees bracing for the changes. Commissioners have voted to
drop their plan with high Mark West Virginia and moved
to an individual coverage system through the Take Command Insurance Program.
Commission Or Shaan Sokorus says employees will be able to
(04:03):
choose for more than thirty different plans as a part
of the Take Command Insurance program. Now, the under the plan,
the county will pay ninety eight percent, employees will pick
up about two percent, and overall the plan would save
the county about three percent. And that's based on their
(04:23):
current plan with high Mark West Virginia. And by the way,
the county employees just about two hundred sixty five people. Now,
this is week number three of the federal government shutdown.
Federal workers are now in day twenty one of working
with no paycheck October. WICIC payments are being delayed and
(04:44):
people with questions are asked to call eight seven seven
seven one six twelve twelve. Once again, that number is
eight seven six seven I'm sorry eight seven seven seven
one six twelve twelve. Officials at Morgantown Municipal Airport and
the North Central West Virginia Airport do say though the
(05:06):
Essential air Service program has not been delayed and it
is continuing to operate. Morgantown fire truck had to be
taken out of service after it was damaged in a sinkhole.
Officials say the truck was stuck in the sinkhole Wednesday
evening on Baird Street near the Central Place Student apartment complex.
(05:28):
Record service was called to pull the truck out. Nobody
got hurt, but the truck had to be evaluated for damage.
There are some concerns about the potential impact of Trump
administration proposed changes to the H one B visa program.
Concerned about what those changes could have on the state
(05:50):
healthcare system. Brad mclhaney has that full story at wv
metronews dot com. When we come back, we'll spend a
few minutes with the chair of the Mont County Democrat
Executive Committee, Cal Carlson, will be talking about the no
Kings protests over the weekend and a little bit about
(06:10):
where that movement will hit next. It's coming up next
on Talk of the Town AM fourteen forty FM one
oh four point five WAJR.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
Join the conversation at one eight hundred seven sixty five
eight two fivey five. This is the Talk of the Town.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
Well, good Monday morning. Plenty of clouds in the University
of City forty seven degrees metro Neewzaki Weather says we
will see some sunshine today in a hi near sixty
in studio got the executive Committee chair of the mont
County Democrat Executive Committee. I did my best butcher that.
But Cal Carlson is with us. Good morning, Cal, how.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
Are you coomring Mike? Thanks for having me today.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
Absolutely, it's a pleasure to have you on board. Let's see,
we'll put the text line up. Maybe somebody has a
comment something they would like Cal to respond to that
text line numbers three oh four talk three oh four. Okay,
we're just about a day removed from the No Kings
protests that occurred throughout the state. I guess give us
(07:28):
your assessment of the statewide No King's effort and then
tell us where you were Saturday.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
Sure. Absolutely so. This past Saturday there was a nationwide
called Action No King's Day two point zero to protest
the Trump administration and a lot of the cuts that
are happening at the federal level that are trickling down
to the state and local levels. And around West Virginia,
I'd say there were over twenty different demonstrations, from one
(07:55):
person demonstrations in some of our smaller towns to gatherings
of over one thousand people here Morgantown, twenty five hundred
people in Shepherdstown, in Charleston and everywhere in between. And
so it's just really inspiring to see how many people
in our state have come out and kind of said
enough's enough now.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
But you bring up Shepherdstown, and I did see where
the governor has called out the Eastern Panhandle specifically because
the amount of federal government employees there and how hard
they're being hit. Oh.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
Absolutely, and especially with their proximity to DC and the
ongoing federal shutdown, that's impacting not just folks in DC.
That is impacting the folks in West Virginia. And you
know that even trickles into our region as well.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Sure you know, when you turn on one of the
national news programs and you take a look at some
of the protests, I guess that are more affiliated with
ICE and things like that. I don't think that that's
the kind of protests that we're talking about here. So
why don't you tell us what you did, how the
protest went, how you were received.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
Sure? Absolutely, so. All of the protest here in West
Virginia were extremely peaceful, They were nonviolent. It was a
lot of people coming out to find community with others,
to find solidarity with others. I went down to Clarksburg.
I was invited to their rally and it was so
inspiring to see over two hundred people down in front
of the Harrison County Courthouse from all walks of life.
(09:19):
You know, I'm talking with folks in the crowd. I'm
overhearing people in the crowd saying I don't recognize most
of the people here. You know, people are meeting new people,
there's folks in inflatable costumes. It was just such a
very inspiring show of solidarity. And when I drove back,
I drove through Fairmont and there were over three hundred
people gathered on the gateway. So just really seeing these
(09:41):
small communities coming together, banding together.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Sure, now cal Carlson is with us, the executive committee
chair of the Mont County Democrat Party. If you were
to maybe boil down these protests into maybe I don't
know you picked the number of bullet points that you
would like to assign to it, but I guess give
(10:05):
us a couple of specifics of what you want to
see changed.
Speaker 3 (10:10):
Well, I think for people overall, they don't want to
see a president acting as a king. We have three
branches of government for a reason. They're supposed to be
checks and balances, and what we've seen with this administration
and with the implementation of Project twenty twenty five and
being forty eight percent completed, is the complete dismantling of
a lot of our federal government programs, and a lot
(10:32):
of those because West Virginia takes in more government assistance
dollars than it puts out, we are going to see
a lot of our communities become more at risk kind
of crumble because of all these cuts. And I think
that's especially here in West Virginia. That's what's impacting people
the most. If they can't get their rural health care,
if they can't get public education dollars, if they can't
(10:54):
get you know, good paying jobs, if if that's not
being provided, then people it's going to impact people on
all sides of the aisle. And I think that's what
we've seen at all these rallies as well. I know
Morgantown's rally, there were people from you know, everywhere on
the political spectrum coming together being in solidarity of saying
this is our community. It's more than just political lines.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Cal Carlson is with us, the executive director of the
Mann County Democrat Party and cal these. I guess this
week we will be ten months into the Trump administration,
So I guess these protests have been going on a while.
Talk a little bit about the makeup of the protests.
(11:39):
Do you see new faces of the same faces. What's that?
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Well, there's certainly no paid protesters at any of these rallies,
especially here in West Virginia. These are grassroots organizing groups
here in Morgantown. I know Mountaineers, Indivisible, Citizen Action has
been doing a great job organizing these rallies. I know Indivisible,
which is a nationwide group, has been really great at
providing resources. It's a lot of community groups and community
(12:05):
members just coming together pretty organically and sharing their ideas,
coming together in solidarity, forming these new partnerships to kind
of uplift our communities in times when a lot of
resources that we've relied on have dried up.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
What's next, Well, I.
Speaker 3 (12:23):
Think it's just for me at least, encouraging people to
continue this energy, could continue this momentum and whatever way
that you see fit, whether that's joining local organizations, volunteering
with the nonprofits and other community organizations that have lost
their funding. If that's you know, talking with your neighbors
registering them to vote, or you know, getting more involved
(12:46):
in your local government proceedings, you know, attending meetings, addressing
these concerns with your local elected officials. I think a
lot of people spend a lot of time focusing on
the national issues, but a lot of these more localized
issues hit closer to home and have a much greater
impact on our lives.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
You know, cal, one year from today, you and I
are going to be looking at each other and we're
going to be sick of hearing political ads. Yeah, that'll
be the first thing that we say. But I guess
my question is this is, how do you take this energy?
How do you take what you're talking about with the
with the the amount of people that show up that
(13:25):
show their disdain for what's happening right now? How do
you translate that into getting foot traffic into polling locations
in next November.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (13:37):
I think it's definitely about keeping people informed. I know
there's there's a lot that we're doing and planning as
the Democratic Party on keeping voters informed about what's going on.
There's a lot of different election a lot of changes
that we're going to see this year, such as photo
voter ID, the Republicans closing their primary, Democrats, the Democratic
(13:59):
Party will continue to get They're primary open to independent,
no party, unaffiliated voters. So I think getting ahead of
the curve and forming voters of what these changes are,
informing them that you know, there are candidates on the ballot,
there's you know, we're going to see levees, We're going
to see all sorts of things on the ballot, and
that it's just not what's at the top of the ticket.
(14:20):
Everything up and down the ballot is at stake and
has the chance to really change things within our communities.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
You know, Nationwide, the Democrats kind of get a they
get slapped with the label of being progressive and in
some cases some people use the word communist or socialist,
things like that, but characterize the state Democrat Party. Is
it moderate, is it progressive? What is it in your view?
Speaker 3 (14:47):
I think it's fairly progressive. And I think we're also
very much for the people. I think about our leadership team,
and I also think about our eleven Democrats and the
legislature who are fighting every single day for the people,
and right now they are in the middle of going
and talking with the people with their kitchen Table tour,
and they've had massive successes with that and focusing on
(15:09):
the issues that everyday people are facing. They're not focused
on the culture wars, They're not focused on reactionary items.
They're focused on how they can learn about what's happening
in our communities and how they can best apply policy
to help the people of West Virginia not hurt them.
Speaker 2 (15:25):
So in the coming months, cal I would assume that
there will be some Democrats that will announce their candidacy
for some offices. How's candidate recruiting.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
It's good. I think a lot of times people are
a little bit hesitant to declare right now simply because
of the ever ever turbulent political times that we see.
But I'm really confident in the folks that we've talked to.
I know it's always an ongoing process, but I think
people are going to be really excited to have folks
(16:00):
to vote for on their ballot, but also representation that
actually cares about them and fights and advocates on their behalf.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
You use the word turbulent turbulence, and I think you
know that's certainly a fair characterization, but you know, I
think for some people they view it maybe a little
bit more serious than that. When we start to talk
about political violence, some of the rhetoric that people use,
(16:25):
whether it be nazi, fascist, you know, some of those
words really do have consequences, don't you think. Yeah, And
I guess from your standpoint, is it productive to use
those kind of words.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
I think it depends on the context. And I think
sometimes you have to call it like you see it,
and if we beat around the bush on things, it
only really enables people to continue, you know, to be
emboldened to use those words or to continue hateful rhetoric.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Yeah. Yeah, I guess I was just getting at the
fact that that the protests and I've seen videos, I've
seen pictures. Definitely all look to be peaceful, very peaceful,
no problems whatsoever. But I just wonder what happens after
the protest when you send people home with that message
that you know, we're fighting in an authoritarian regime. That's
(17:25):
pretty ominous to you know, send somebody home with that thought.
I guess in my view, what do you.
Speaker 3 (17:32):
Think, Well, I think, you know, look at look at
what we're what we've been at for the past nine months,
We've seen so many of what should have been our
you know, I don't know how to explain it, like
what should have stopped things or what. You know, previous
presidential administrations, if they had did anything like this, they
(17:54):
would have been immediately stopped.
Speaker 1 (17:56):
You know.
Speaker 3 (17:56):
I know President Obama was on a podcast and he
talked about if he had sent the National Guard into Texas,
he would have been, you know, probably taken out of office.
But we have a president who's deploying the National Guard
to cities where it's not needed. And you know, we
we in West Virginia, we have our National Guard deployed
to DC, but they can't be deployed to help, you know,
(18:18):
muck out houses in McDowell County that still haven't been
taken care of since the floods this February. So we
need to think about what what are the optics they're
trying to show us at the national level, and what's
really going on and how you know, damaged and hurt
our communities are.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
Now kl tell us how can people engage with the
local Democrat.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
Party so you can follow us on social media. We're
at the Montagelly County Democrats. We have a website moncountydems
dot com. We also meet at the second Monday of
each month at seven pm at Plumbers and Pipe Fitters
off of green Bag Road. You can also email us.
You can contact us with your ideas. We're always doing things.
We're in the middle of doing some phone banks and
(19:01):
outreach to voters. We're looking at planning some events just
for this fallen winter to keep people engaged and keep
people informed.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
And I'm sure if you're interested in maybe enlisting as
a candidate. Definitely right to the front of the line.
Speaker 3 (19:17):
Oh yeah, absolutely, okay, good deal.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
Hey, cal really do appreciate your time this morning. Thank
you very much. And looking at those protests, I certainly
agree they were definitely peaceful and certainly hope wish you
guys well in the future.
Speaker 3 (19:34):
Absolutely, thank you, absolutely.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
Okay, just about nine thirty in time to find out
what is happening across the great state of West Virginia.
Speaker 1 (19:52):
Now back to the talk of the town.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
Well, good Monday morning. It is nine thirty five, plenty
of clouds, forty eight degrees in the University City of
Metro News. Aci Weather says we'll see some sunshine today
and how near sixty degrees and congratulations to Delegate David McCormick.
I've received word here this morning that he has now
(20:19):
accepted the position of Vice Chair of the Agriculture, Commerce
and Tourism Committee. Once again, Delegate David McCormick has accepted
the position of Vice Chair of the Agriculture, Commerce and
Tourism Committee. We'll make it a point to catch up
with Delegate McCormick and get some more information about that appointment.
(20:44):
But congratulations to Delegate McCormick. The text line three four
talk three four. Recently we've had here on the program,
we've had counselor Mark downs on talking about some affordable
housing ideas, some proposals, and maybe not really specific legislation,
(21:07):
but certainly the spirit of getting in and solving that
particular problem. We've also heard from Morgantown Mayor Danielle Trumbull
about the same topic. And of course we've also covered
the warming shelter and available shelter beds for those suffering
from homelessness as well. Now, in a recent report from
(21:30):
the Director of Development Services here in the City of Morgantown,
it says that the shortage of affordable housing is actually
driving up the cost of existing option, and the end
result is a number of people who are either priced
out of the market or they're left spending much above
the thirty percent threshold, which is considered the ideal expenditure
(21:56):
for household expenses based on the experts. Now, back twenty twenty,
the housing Assessment Need in the City of Morgantown said
that there was a critical need for more than a
thousand extremely low income rental housing units. Now, those would
(22:20):
be say six hundred, five hundred and fifty dollars a
month or less. Now, the need for very low income
units that's just a little bit more, from say maybe
six to up to nine hundred and twenty five. That
is also considered a high priority. Now, if you remember, right,
(22:40):
if you go back into say maybe some archives city Council,
you'll see that it was about five years ago this
time when the homeless situation in the city seemingly had
come to a head, when then Mayor Ron Delaney called
on councilors to seek and secure some win. Now, this
(23:01):
happened following another wave of public comment, with members of
the public asking the councilors what they were going to do.
That was the charge from then Mayor Ron Delaney that challenge.
At the time, they were largely the same. It was
available housing. It was also I think there were maybe
(23:22):
some more problems in the downtown area than what there
are today. I think some of those some of those
issues have definitely been successfully tackled. Now five years later,
we're still searching for some more wins. Now here's a
couple of wins. I think maybe the association with Catholic Charities.
(23:45):
They were able to come in when the Bartlett House
was not any they were no longer able to operate
the triage center at Hazel's House of Hope, and the
Downtown center had been closed to some structural and roof
problems at that particular facility. So definitely Catholic Charities that
(24:08):
would certainly be a win. Also, Hazel's House of Hope
and the relocation of Mylon Pushcar Health Right, those are
also both huge wins. As I understand it. I believe
that there was an open house at the New Island
Pushcar Health Right facility over the course of the last week. Now,
(24:30):
these are not only wins for the downtown and for
the city, for the university, for the students, and of
course for the parents. That come here and visit. But
there are also wins for these nonprofits that are able
to move into new facilities like Mylan, Pushcar Health right
up on Scott Avenue, the Salvation Army, you've got Catholic
(24:54):
charities also at Hazel's House of Hope. Now, we used
to battle transportation problems before we had Hazel's House of Hope,
and you know what, we still do to a degree,
but not in any way like we used to, having
to send people from one side of town to the
other in order to get identifications or other things that
(25:15):
they needed in order to access services that they needed
for either their recovery or whatever. The type of challenges
that those people we're dealing with. So all of those
wins are certainly wins for the city, they're wins for
the nonprofits that get the new facilities, and more importantly,
(25:37):
they're wins for the people that are accessing those services. Now,
elected leaders are working to make some changes to encourage
affordable housing in the city that will work over time,
and I think over time that's really the important thing
to focus on here because councilor Downs, in his appearance
(26:01):
here on Talk of the Town pointed out some key
issues that held us back for many years. First, population
growth that's been stagnant over the last ten years, maybe
up just about a percentage point, but you know, possibly
maybe down just as much. Also, one of the limiting
(26:22):
factors that Councilman Down's pointed out was slightly flat or
maybe falling city tax revenues. Now, these are all things
that I understand the sense of urgency that the councilors
have in securing wins when it comes to affordable housing.
(26:42):
But I believe that when we take a look at
the goals and the problem and the resources, I think
you've got a city that certainly has to move with
a sense of urgency. However, their movements are going to
have to be measured and thought out much like you
would if you're playing a game chess. Because without the
(27:08):
city revenues, which we know post pandemic city revenues have
taken a hit. We also know that insurance issues for
the city have certainly driven some income issues that have
dictated where the city can spend money and the issues
that they can take on. So certainly going to be
(27:31):
a interesting twenty four months or so we'll have to
see exactly what happens with some of the housing initiatives
that are coming down the pike through Morgantown City Council.
And I think that one of the issues that is
going to come up during the Morgantown City Council meeting
(27:54):
tonight or I'm sorry tomorrow night, is the Mosaic Neighborhood
Pride and Engagement Initiative. It's a Pacific pride program that
does come with some matching grant opportunities. And you know,
we know that here in the city of Morgantown. Robin
(28:14):
Hess is probably one of the best grant writers in
this area and she's certainly shown her worth with everything
from the Historic post Office to the History Museum to
securing all some of the grants for some of the
waterfront work and other downtown areas. When we come back,
(28:36):
we'll spend a couple of minutes and we'll talk about
that Morgantown Mosaic Neighborhood Pride and Engagement Initiative. We'll do
that next on Talk of the Town AM fourteen forty
FM one four point five WAJR.
Speaker 1 (29:06):
We are talking about your town. Now back to the
Talk of the Town.
Speaker 2 (29:12):
Well, good Monday morning. It is homecoming week. In the
city of Morgantown, and those festivities actually get underway at
the top of the hour. Over at the Health Sciences Center,
the Alumni truck Spirit Stop take place there from ten
am until two o'clock this afternoon. Now, what they're going
to do, They're going to present some opportunities to you
(29:35):
to win surprises, listen to some music and hang out
with the WVU faithful as we prepare for the homecoming
matchup with TCU coming up next weekend. Now also this
weekend rather now, also, what they're going to be doing,
they're going to be collecting some donations for the annual
(29:56):
Bears and Blankets Drive now that supports wv you Medicine
Children's Hospital, and what they would like to have are
some new with the tags store bought stuffed animals or blankets,
and they'll give those children upon admission or maybe as
a reward for completing treatment or something that was certainly
(30:21):
a little bit daunting for them to be able to
stare down. So that will be happening at the top
of the hour one Medical Center drive and that'll last
until two o'clock this afternoon. And let's see, also wanted
to thank Kyle Wiggs for stepping in and hosting the program.
(30:42):
Last week, had an opportunity to go back home to Columbus, Indiana,
see my folks, and actually celebrate my mother's birthday and
my parents' sixty eighth wedding anniversary. So it was definitely
a great week, and I certainly appreciate Kyle and his
(31:03):
efforts in order to make that possible. And you know what,
I can't leave the kids out right. Got to see
the kids and the grandkids and hang out with them
as well. So certainly do appreciate the opportunity to be
able to go back home and see some family. Now
(31:23):
back to the topic at hand now, the city councilor
Mark Downs has proposed the Morgantown Mosaic Neighborhood Pride and
Engagement Initiative. And what this would do, if approved by
city councilors, it would direct a certain amount of city
funds each year that we'd go into a pot. And
(31:46):
now those funds would then be used to match grants
for small to moderate sized projects that would be presented
by neighborhood level organizations. Makes this just perfect for this city.
Is ever since I came here six or seven years ago,
(32:08):
the effort has always been in order to engage the
city neighborhoods, whether it was with the sign program or
or make you your ward its own unique sign and
put it up for you, or any other sign for
that matter, you can do that. City supports those efforts,
but you know, the efforts have really kind of they've
(32:31):
rested on those wards and neighborhoods to really take charge
and do it all themselves. Now with this particular program,
if this were to be approved, this could create opportunities
(32:53):
at the neighborhood level for people to come up and
develop projects. You know, they're in the first Ward right
off of don Knotts Boulevard, where their sign is also
up on Richwood Avenue. I think there are some opportunities
for some neighborhood signage there. But what that would do
(33:17):
is create not only pride in the city's neighborhoods and
delineate them so that when people do come to the
City of Morgantown, they understand that they're in Saberton, or
they understand there maybe in the First Ward, so on
and so forth. I think you get my drift. I
think it's great for those neighborhoods. It's great for the city.
(33:39):
And when you take a look at an area like Greenmont, Okay, Now,
this program couldn't be suited more for a neighborhood like
Greenmont there, because you've got a nucleus of people that
are working very hard every day to move that neighborhood
forward into make some changes, remove the blight, bring businesses
(34:03):
into some of those areas that haven't seen businesses in
quite some time. Also, not only would that program work
great here, but some of the zoning changes that we
talked with Mayor Daniel Trumbull about just not last week,
but the week before, where they could make some changes
(34:25):
to the city zoning code that would make it easier
for you know, maybe people to go back and rehab
that duplex that has been sitting since the pandemic, or
rehab that the large home that was cut up into
a multi family dwelling that has been sitting there since
(34:45):
the pandemic. And you know, let's not forget the lessons
that we're going to learn as we work our way
through the East End development project, Because truly, if you
talk to people like Russ Rogerson, President and CEO of
the Morgantown Area partnership, and of course people like Metro
Properties Day be a four. You know, they're going to
(35:07):
tell you that with the age of the city's housing
stock and the way that it's built so close together
does create some safety issues when there is a fire.
That redevelopment is the path forward for this city, not
just in an effort to bring in more affordable housing,
(35:28):
but to bring in more housing period. I think the
East End development that got rid of about three hundred
and seventy five apartments and when that all comes back,
they hope to bring that three hundred and seventy five back,
along with maybe a couple of extras. That's something that
will certainly be keeping our eye on here. And don't
(35:50):
forget coming up at eleven o'clock the Governor, he'll be
at the Robinson Grand Theater in Clarksburg to make a
water and infrastructure announcement. We'll be sure and bring you
those details when they are available. And Health Sciences Center
coming up at the top of the hour. That will
(36:11):
kick off homecoming celebrations for WVU. Everybody, make it a
great Monday right now, clouds and forty eight degrees in
the University City. Make it a great Monday Metro News
talk line. Coming up next on the Voice of Morgantown
This is the Talk of the Town from Morgantown to Klucksburg.
If it's happening, we're talking about it. Call the show
toll free at one eight hundred seven sixty five eight
two fivey five. Now Here is your host for the
Talk of the Town, Mike Notting.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Good Monday morning, overcast forty seven in the University City.
Certainly glad to be back in Metro News. ACU Weather
says we'll see some sunshine today and high near sixty degrees,
a good Monday morning. Producing the program today, we have
Sophia Wassi. You'll be able to get Sophia at eight
(00:45):
hundred and seven sixty five eight two five five. And
of course the text line is ready in waiting because
we want to hear your thoughts that number three oh
four talk three oh four. Let's see, it's been a
tough log for WVU on the football field this year.
Let's see zero big twelve conference wins and four tries
(01:08):
and really just two wins and seven attempts overall this year.
Now UCF streaked by the Golden Blue over the weekend
forty five to thirteen. They'll return to Mylon Pushgar Stadium
this weekend but it's not going to get any easier.
TCU comes to Morgan Down for a six pm kickoff
(01:29):
on Saturday. You can read more about what coach Rich
Rodriguez says are working on leading up to that game.
He says some things are going to work on changing
and fixing right now, and other things are definitely going
to wait. But Joe Ricado has that story at Wvmetronews
(01:49):
dot com. And it is homecoming week in the University
City and beginning, let's see some activities begin next hour
at the Robert C. Bird Health Sciences Center. They'll have
the spirit truck on hand and looks like they'll be
passing out some swag and encouraging some team spirit for
(02:10):
the game against TCU coming up this Saturday. And once
again that is a six pm kickoff for the return
of the Mountaineers to Morgantown's certainly been a tough season
so far. Hopefully maybe they can, you know, work on
some things, maybe pull a rabbit out of their hat
coming up on Sunday. Well, hundreds turned out at various
(02:34):
locations throughout the state for No Kings rallies on Saturdays.
It is to call attention to what those in opposition
to the Trump administration are calling a drift to authoritarianism.
The largest rallies we're in West Virginia's biggest city, in
biggest cities, including Morgantown. More than two thousand attended the
(02:59):
event here Morgantown coming up at nine fifteen, we'll talk
with Cal Carlson. He's the chairman of the Mond County
Democrat Executive Committee. We'll talk to Cal and get his
thoughts on the rallies over the weekend. Governor Patrick Morrissey
set to hold a press event in Harrison County today.
(03:19):
They'll be making an announcement regarding water and who were infrastructure.
That's set to begin at eleven am this morning. Clarksburg
Water Board has been in the process of a major
rehabilitation project over the last three years and will have
updates as they become available. Commissioners in Montngelia County and
(03:41):
they're making some changes to their health insurance system and
county employees bracing for the changes. Commissioners have voted to
drop their plan with high Mark West Virginia and moved
to an individual coverage system through the Take Command Insurance Program.
Commission Or Shaan Sokorus says employees will be able to
(04:03):
choose for more than thirty different plans as a part
of the Take Command Insurance program. Now, the under the plan,
the county will pay ninety eight percent, employees will pick
up about two percent, and overall the plan would save
the county about three percent. And that's based on their
(04:23):
current plan with high Mark West Virginia. And by the way,
the county employees just about two hundred sixty five people. Now,
this is week number three of the federal government shutdown.
Federal workers are now in day twenty one of working
with no paycheck October. WICIC payments are being delayed and
(04:44):
people with questions are asked to call eight seven seven
seven one six twelve twelve. Once again, that number is
eight seven six seven I'm sorry eight seven seven seven
one six twelve twelve. Officials at Morgantown Municipal Airport and
the North Central West Virginia Airport do say though the
(05:06):
Essential air Service program has not been delayed and it
is continuing to operate. Morgantown fire truck had to be
taken out of service after it was damaged in a sinkhole.
Officials say the truck was stuck in the sinkhole Wednesday
evening on Baird Street near the Central Place Student apartment complex.
(05:28):
Record service was called to pull the truck out. Nobody
got hurt, but the truck had to be evaluated for damage.
There are some concerns about the potential impact of Trump
administration proposed changes to the H one B visa program.
Concerned about what those changes could have on the state
(05:50):
healthcare system. Brad mclhaney has that full story at wv
metronews dot com. When we come back, we'll spend a
few minutes with the chair of the Mont County Democrat
Executive Committee, Cal Carlson, will be talking about the no
Kings protests over the weekend and a little bit about
(06:10):
where that movement will hit next. It's coming up next
on Talk of the Town AM fourteen forty FM one
oh four point five WAJR.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
Join the conversation at one eight hundred seven sixty five
eight two fivey five. This is the Talk of the Town.
Speaker 2 (06:41):
Well, good Monday morning. Plenty of clouds in the University
of City forty seven degrees metro Neewzaki Weather says we
will see some sunshine today in a hi near sixty
in studio got the executive Committee chair of the mont
County Democrat Executive Committee. I did my best butcher that.
But Cal Carlson is with us. Good morning, Cal, how.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
Are you coomring Mike? Thanks for having me today.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
Absolutely, it's a pleasure to have you on board. Let's see,
we'll put the text line up. Maybe somebody has a
comment something they would like Cal to respond to that
text line numbers three oh four talk three oh four. Okay,
we're just about a day removed from the No Kings
protests that occurred throughout the state. I guess give us
(07:28):
your assessment of the statewide No King's effort and then
tell us where you were Saturday.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
Sure. Absolutely so. This past Saturday there was a nationwide
called Action No King's Day two point zero to protest
the Trump administration and a lot of the cuts that
are happening at the federal level that are trickling down
to the state and local levels. And around West Virginia,
I'd say there were over twenty different demonstrations, from one
(07:55):
person demonstrations in some of our smaller towns to gatherings
of over one thousand people here Morgantown, twenty five hundred
people in Shepherdstown, in Charleston and everywhere in between. And
so it's just really inspiring to see how many people
in our state have come out and kind of said
enough's enough now.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
But you bring up Shepherdstown, and I did see where
the governor has called out the Eastern Panhandle specifically because
the amount of federal government employees there and how hard
they're being hit. Oh.
Speaker 3 (08:23):
Absolutely, and especially with their proximity to DC and the
ongoing federal shutdown, that's impacting not just folks in DC.
That is impacting the folks in West Virginia. And you
know that even trickles into our region as well.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Sure you know, when you turn on one of the
national news programs and you take a look at some
of the protests, I guess that are more affiliated with
ICE and things like that. I don't think that that's
the kind of protests that we're talking about here. So
why don't you tell us what you did, how the
protest went, how you were received.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
Sure? Absolutely, so. All of the protest here in West
Virginia were extremely peaceful, They were nonviolent. It was a
lot of people coming out to find community with others,
to find solidarity with others. I went down to Clarksburg.
I was invited to their rally and it was so
inspiring to see over two hundred people down in front
of the Harrison County Courthouse from all walks of life.
(09:19):
You know, I'm talking with folks in the crowd. I'm
overhearing people in the crowd saying I don't recognize most
of the people here. You know, people are meeting new people,
there's folks in inflatable costumes. It was just such a
very inspiring show of solidarity. And when I drove back,
I drove through Fairmont and there were over three hundred
people gathered on the gateway. So just really seeing these
(09:41):
small communities coming together, banding together.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Sure, now cal Carlson is with us, the executive committee
chair of the Mont County Democrat Party. If you were
to maybe boil down these protests into maybe I don't
know you picked the number of bullet points that you
would like to assign to it, but I guess give
(10:05):
us a couple of specifics of what you want to
see changed.
Speaker 3 (10:10):
Well, I think for people overall, they don't want to
see a president acting as a king. We have three
branches of government for a reason. They're supposed to be
checks and balances, and what we've seen with this administration
and with the implementation of Project twenty twenty five and
being forty eight percent completed, is the complete dismantling of
a lot of our federal government programs, and a lot
(10:32):
of those because West Virginia takes in more government assistance
dollars than it puts out, we are going to see
a lot of our communities become more at risk kind
of crumble because of all these cuts. And I think
that's especially here in West Virginia. That's what's impacting people
the most. If they can't get their rural health care,
if they can't get public education dollars, if they can't
(10:54):
get you know, good paying jobs, if if that's not
being provided, then people it's going to impact people on
all sides of the aisle. And I think that's what
we've seen at all these rallies as well. I know
Morgantown's rally, there were people from you know, everywhere on
the political spectrum coming together being in solidarity of saying
this is our community. It's more than just political lines.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Cal Carlson is with us, the executive director of the
Mann County Democrat Party and cal these. I guess this
week we will be ten months into the Trump administration,
So I guess these protests have been going on a while.
Talk a little bit about the makeup of the protests.
(11:39):
Do you see new faces of the same faces. What's that?
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Well, there's certainly no paid protesters at any of these rallies,
especially here in West Virginia. These are grassroots organizing groups
here in Morgantown. I know Mountaineers, Indivisible, Citizen Action has
been doing a great job organizing these rallies. I know Indivisible,
which is a nationwide group, has been really great at
providing resources. It's a lot of community groups and community
(12:05):
members just coming together pretty organically and sharing their ideas,
coming together in solidarity, forming these new partnerships to kind
of uplift our communities in times when a lot of
resources that we've relied on have dried up.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
What's next, Well, I.
Speaker 3 (12:23):
Think it's just for me at least, encouraging people to
continue this energy, could continue this momentum and whatever way
that you see fit, whether that's joining local organizations, volunteering
with the nonprofits and other community organizations that have lost
their funding. If that's you know, talking with your neighbors
registering them to vote, or you know, getting more involved
(12:46):
in your local government proceedings, you know, attending meetings, addressing
these concerns with your local elected officials. I think a
lot of people spend a lot of time focusing on
the national issues, but a lot of these more localized
issues hit closer to home and have a much greater
impact on our lives.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
You know, cal, one year from today, you and I
are going to be looking at each other and we're
going to be sick of hearing political ads. Yeah, that'll
be the first thing that we say. But I guess
my question is this is, how do you take this energy?
How do you take what you're talking about with the
with the the amount of people that show up that
(13:25):
show their disdain for what's happening right now? How do
you translate that into getting foot traffic into polling locations
in next November.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (13:37):
I think it's definitely about keeping people informed. I know
there's there's a lot that we're doing and planning as
the Democratic Party on keeping voters informed about what's going on.
There's a lot of different election a lot of changes
that we're going to see this year, such as photo
voter ID, the Republicans closing their primary, Democrats, the Democratic
(13:59):
Party will continue to get They're primary open to independent,
no party, unaffiliated voters. So I think getting ahead of
the curve and forming voters of what these changes are,
informing them that you know, there are candidates on the ballot,
there's you know, we're going to see levees, We're going
to see all sorts of things on the ballot, and
that it's just not what's at the top of the ticket.
(14:20):
Everything up and down the ballot is at stake and
has the chance to really change things within our communities.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
You know, Nationwide, the Democrats kind of get a they
get slapped with the label of being progressive and in
some cases some people use the word communist or socialist,
things like that, but characterize the state Democrat Party. Is
it moderate, is it progressive? What is it in your view?
Speaker 3 (14:47):
I think it's fairly progressive. And I think we're also
very much for the people. I think about our leadership team,
and I also think about our eleven Democrats and the
legislature who are fighting every single day for the people,
and right now they are in the middle of going
and talking with the people with their kitchen Table tour,
and they've had massive successes with that and focusing on
(15:09):
the issues that everyday people are facing. They're not focused
on the culture wars, They're not focused on reactionary items.
They're focused on how they can learn about what's happening
in our communities and how they can best apply policy
to help the people of West Virginia not hurt them.
Speaker 2 (15:25):
So in the coming months, cal I would assume that
there will be some Democrats that will announce their candidacy
for some offices. How's candidate recruiting.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
It's good. I think a lot of times people are
a little bit hesitant to declare right now simply because
of the ever ever turbulent political times that we see.
But I'm really confident in the folks that we've talked to.
I know it's always an ongoing process, but I think
people are going to be really excited to have folks
(16:00):
to vote for on their ballot, but also representation that
actually cares about them and fights and advocates on their behalf.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
You use the word turbulent turbulence, and I think you
know that's certainly a fair characterization, but you know, I
think for some people they view it maybe a little
bit more serious than that. When we start to talk
about political violence, some of the rhetoric that people use,
(16:25):
whether it be nazi, fascist, you know, some of those
words really do have consequences, don't you think. Yeah, And
I guess from your standpoint, is it productive to use
those kind of words.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
I think it depends on the context. And I think
sometimes you have to call it like you see it,
and if we beat around the bush on things, it
only really enables people to continue, you know, to be
emboldened to use those words or to continue hateful rhetoric.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Yeah. Yeah, I guess I was just getting at the
fact that that the protests and I've seen videos, I've
seen pictures. Definitely all look to be peaceful, very peaceful,
no problems whatsoever. But I just wonder what happens after
the protest when you send people home with that message
that you know, we're fighting in an authoritarian regime. That's
(17:25):
pretty ominous to you know, send somebody home with that thought.
I guess in my view, what do you.
Speaker 3 (17:32):
Think, Well, I think, you know, look at look at
what we're what we've been at for the past nine months,
We've seen so many of what should have been our
you know, I don't know how to explain it, like
what should have stopped things or what. You know, previous
presidential administrations, if they had did anything like this, they
(17:54):
would have been immediately stopped.
Speaker 1 (17:56):
You know.
Speaker 3 (17:56):
I know President Obama was on a podcast and he
talked about if he had sent the National Guard into Texas,
he would have been, you know, probably taken out of office.
But we have a president who's deploying the National Guard
to cities where it's not needed. And you know, we
we in West Virginia, we have our National Guard deployed
to DC, but they can't be deployed to help, you know,
(18:18):
muck out houses in McDowell County that still haven't been
taken care of since the floods this February. So we
need to think about what what are the optics they're
trying to show us at the national level, and what's
really going on and how you know, damaged and hurt
our communities are.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
Now kl tell us how can people engage with the
local Democrat.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
Party so you can follow us on social media. We're
at the Montagelly County Democrats. We have a website moncountydems
dot com. We also meet at the second Monday of
each month at seven pm at Plumbers and Pipe Fitters
off of green Bag Road. You can also email us.
You can contact us with your ideas. We're always doing things.
We're in the middle of doing some phone banks and
(19:01):
outreach to voters. We're looking at planning some events just
for this fallen winter to keep people engaged and keep
people informed.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
And I'm sure if you're interested in maybe enlisting as
a candidate. Definitely right to the front of the line.
Speaker 3 (19:17):
Oh yeah, absolutely, okay, good deal.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
Hey, cal really do appreciate your time this morning. Thank
you very much. And looking at those protests, I certainly
agree they were definitely peaceful and certainly hope wish you
guys well in the future.
Speaker 3 (19:34):
Absolutely, thank you, absolutely.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
Okay, just about nine thirty in time to find out
what is happening across the great state of West Virginia.
Speaker 1 (19:52):
Now back to the talk of the town.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
Well, good Monday morning. It is nine thirty five, plenty
of clouds, forty eight degrees in the University City of
Metro News. Aci Weather says we'll see some sunshine today
and how near sixty degrees and congratulations to Delegate David McCormick.
I've received word here this morning that he has now
(20:19):
accepted the position of Vice Chair of the Agriculture, Commerce
and Tourism Committee. Once again, Delegate David McCormick has accepted
the position of Vice Chair of the Agriculture, Commerce and
Tourism Committee. We'll make it a point to catch up
with Delegate McCormick and get some more information about that appointment.
(20:44):
But congratulations to Delegate McCormick. The text line three four
talk three four. Recently we've had here on the program,
we've had counselor Mark downs on talking about some affordable
housing ideas, some proposals, and maybe not really specific legislation,
(21:07):
but certainly the spirit of getting in and solving that
particular problem. We've also heard from Morgantown Mayor Danielle Trumbull
about the same topic. And of course we've also covered
the warming shelter and available shelter beds for those suffering
from homelessness as well. Now, in a recent report from
(21:30):
the Director of Development Services here in the City of Morgantown,
it says that the shortage of affordable housing is actually
driving up the cost of existing option, and the end
result is a number of people who are either priced
out of the market or they're left spending much above
the thirty percent threshold, which is considered the ideal expenditure
(21:56):
for household expenses based on the experts. Now, back twenty twenty,
the housing Assessment Need in the City of Morgantown said
that there was a critical need for more than a
thousand extremely low income rental housing units. Now, those would
(22:20):
be say six hundred, five hundred and fifty dollars a
month or less. Now, the need for very low income
units that's just a little bit more, from say maybe
six to up to nine hundred and twenty five. That
is also considered a high priority. Now, if you remember, right,
(22:40):
if you go back into say maybe some archives city Council,
you'll see that it was about five years ago this
time when the homeless situation in the city seemingly had
come to a head, when then Mayor Ron Delaney called
on councilors to seek and secure some win. Now, this
(23:01):
happened following another wave of public comment, with members of
the public asking the councilors what they were going to do.
That was the charge from then Mayor Ron Delaney that challenge.
At the time, they were largely the same. It was
available housing. It was also I think there were maybe
(23:22):
some more problems in the downtown area than what there
are today. I think some of those some of those
issues have definitely been successfully tackled. Now five years later,
we're still searching for some more wins. Now here's a
couple of wins. I think maybe the association with Catholic Charities.
(23:45):
They were able to come in when the Bartlett House
was not any they were no longer able to operate
the triage center at Hazel's House of Hope, and the
Downtown center had been closed to some structural and roof
problems at that particular facility. So definitely Catholic Charities that
(24:08):
would certainly be a win. Also, Hazel's House of Hope
and the relocation of Mylon Pushcar Health Right, those are
also both huge wins. As I understand it. I believe
that there was an open house at the New Island
Pushcar Health Right facility over the course of the last week. Now,
(24:30):
these are not only wins for the downtown and for
the city, for the university, for the students, and of
course for the parents. That come here and visit. But
there are also wins for these nonprofits that are able
to move into new facilities like Mylan, Pushcar Health right
up on Scott Avenue, the Salvation Army, you've got Catholic
(24:54):
charities also at Hazel's House of Hope. Now, we used
to battle transportation problems before we had Hazel's House of Hope,
and you know what, we still do to a degree,
but not in any way like we used to, having
to send people from one side of town to the
other in order to get identifications or other things that
(25:15):
they needed in order to access services that they needed
for either their recovery or whatever. The type of challenges
that those people we're dealing with. So all of those
wins are certainly wins for the city, they're wins for
the nonprofits that get the new facilities, and more importantly,
(25:37):
they're wins for the people that are accessing those services. Now,
elected leaders are working to make some changes to encourage
affordable housing in the city that will work over time,
and I think over time that's really the important thing
to focus on here because councilor Downs, in his appearance
(26:01):
here on Talk of the Town pointed out some key
issues that held us back for many years. First, population
growth that's been stagnant over the last ten years, maybe
up just about a percentage point, but you know, possibly
maybe down just as much. Also, one of the limiting
(26:22):
factors that Councilman Down's pointed out was slightly flat or
maybe falling city tax revenues. Now, these are all things
that I understand the sense of urgency that the councilors
have in securing wins when it comes to affordable housing.
(26:42):
But I believe that when we take a look at
the goals and the problem and the resources, I think
you've got a city that certainly has to move with
a sense of urgency. However, their movements are going to
have to be measured and thought out much like you
would if you're playing a game chess. Because without the
(27:08):
city revenues, which we know post pandemic city revenues have
taken a hit. We also know that insurance issues for
the city have certainly driven some income issues that have
dictated where the city can spend money and the issues
that they can take on. So certainly going to be
(27:31):
a interesting twenty four months or so we'll have to
see exactly what happens with some of the housing initiatives
that are coming down the pike through Morgantown City Council.
And I think that one of the issues that is
going to come up during the Morgantown City Council meeting
(27:54):
tonight or I'm sorry tomorrow night, is the Mosaic Neighborhood
Pride and Engagement Initiative. It's a Pacific pride program that
does come with some matching grant opportunities. And you know,
we know that here in the city of Morgantown. Robin
(28:14):
Hess is probably one of the best grant writers in
this area and she's certainly shown her worth with everything
from the Historic post Office to the History Museum to
securing all some of the grants for some of the
waterfront work and other downtown areas. When we come back,
(28:36):
we'll spend a couple of minutes and we'll talk about
that Morgantown Mosaic Neighborhood Pride and Engagement Initiative. We'll do
that next on Talk of the Town AM fourteen forty
FM one four point five WAJR.
Speaker 1 (29:06):
We are talking about your town. Now back to the
Talk of the Town.
Speaker 2 (29:12):
Well, good Monday morning. It is homecoming week. In the
city of Morgantown, and those festivities actually get underway at
the top of the hour. Over at the Health Sciences Center,
the Alumni truck Spirit Stop take place there from ten
am until two o'clock this afternoon. Now, what they're going
to do, They're going to present some opportunities to you
(29:35):
to win surprises, listen to some music and hang out
with the WVU faithful as we prepare for the homecoming
matchup with TCU coming up next weekend. Now also this
weekend rather now, also, what they're going to be doing,
they're going to be collecting some donations for the annual
(29:56):
Bears and Blankets Drive now that supports wv you Medicine
Children's Hospital, and what they would like to have are
some new with the tags store bought stuffed animals or blankets,
and they'll give those children upon admission or maybe as
a reward for completing treatment or something that was certainly
(30:21):
a little bit daunting for them to be able to
stare down. So that will be happening at the top
of the hour one Medical Center drive and that'll last
until two o'clock this afternoon. And let's see, also wanted
to thank Kyle Wiggs for stepping in and hosting the program.
(30:42):
Last week, had an opportunity to go back home to Columbus, Indiana,
see my folks, and actually celebrate my mother's birthday and
my parents' sixty eighth wedding anniversary. So it was definitely
a great week, and I certainly appreciate Kyle and his
(31:03):
efforts in order to make that possible. And you know what,
I can't leave the kids out right. Got to see
the kids and the grandkids and hang out with them
as well. So certainly do appreciate the opportunity to be
able to go back home and see some family. Now
(31:23):
back to the topic at hand now, the city councilor
Mark Downs has proposed the Morgantown Mosaic Neighborhood Pride and
Engagement Initiative. And what this would do, if approved by
city councilors, it would direct a certain amount of city
funds each year that we'd go into a pot. And
(31:46):
now those funds would then be used to match grants
for small to moderate sized projects that would be presented
by neighborhood level organizations. Makes this just perfect for this city.
Is ever since I came here six or seven years ago,
(32:08):
the effort has always been in order to engage the
city neighborhoods, whether it was with the sign program or
or make you your ward its own unique sign and
put it up for you, or any other sign for
that matter, you can do that. City supports those efforts,
but you know, the efforts have really kind of they've
(32:31):
rested on those wards and neighborhoods to really take charge
and do it all themselves. Now with this particular program,
if this were to be approved, this could create opportunities
(32:53):
at the neighborhood level for people to come up and
develop projects. You know, they're in the first Ward right
off of don Knotts Boulevard, where their sign is also
up on Richwood Avenue. I think there are some opportunities
for some neighborhood signage there. But what that would do
(33:17):
is create not only pride in the city's neighborhoods and
delineate them so that when people do come to the
City of Morgantown, they understand that they're in Saberton, or
they understand there maybe in the First Ward, so on
and so forth. I think you get my drift. I
think it's great for those neighborhoods. It's great for the city.
(33:39):
And when you take a look at an area like Greenmont, Okay, Now,
this program couldn't be suited more for a neighborhood like
Greenmont there, because you've got a nucleus of people that
are working very hard every day to move that neighborhood
forward into make some changes, remove the blight, bring businesses
(34:03):
into some of those areas that haven't seen businesses in
quite some time. Also, not only would that program work
great here, but some of the zoning changes that we
talked with Mayor Daniel Trumbull about just not last week,
but the week before, where they could make some changes
(34:25):
to the city zoning code that would make it easier
for you know, maybe people to go back and rehab
that duplex that has been sitting since the pandemic, or
rehab that the large home that was cut up into
a multi family dwelling that has been sitting there since
(34:45):
the pandemic. And you know, let's not forget the lessons
that we're going to learn as we work our way
through the East End development project, Because truly, if you
talk to people like Russ Rogerson, President and CEO of
the Morgantown Area partnership, and of course people like Metro
Properties Day be a four. You know, they're going to
(35:07):
tell you that with the age of the city's housing
stock and the way that it's built so close together
does create some safety issues when there is a fire.
That redevelopment is the path forward for this city, not
just in an effort to bring in more affordable housing,
(35:28):
but to bring in more housing period. I think the
East End development that got rid of about three hundred
and seventy five apartments and when that all comes back,
they hope to bring that three hundred and seventy five back,
along with maybe a couple of extras. That's something that
will certainly be keeping our eye on here. And don't
(35:50):
forget coming up at eleven o'clock the Governor, he'll be
at the Robinson Grand Theater in Clarksburg to make a
water and infrastructure announcement. We'll be sure and bring you
those details when they are available. And Health Sciences Center
coming up at the top of the hour. That will
(36:11):
kick off homecoming celebrations for WVU. Everybody, make it a
great Monday right now, clouds and forty eight degrees in
the University City. Make it a great Monday Metro News
talk line. Coming up next on the Voice of Morgantown
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