Moundsville Council Approves First Measure to Restrict Gambling Parlors, Vape Shops
Moundsville city council members made significant decisions during their recent meeting, focusing on limiting the presence of both gambling parlors and vape shops in the community. The council unanimously agreed to task City Attorney Thomas White with revising the current video lottery ordinance and creating a new ordinance specifically for vape shops. These measures were proposed by council member Don DeWitt in a previous meeting.
As per the existing Moundsville Planning and Zoning Code, regulations dictate that businesses offering video gaming or lottery services cannot operate within 1,500 feet of certain sensitive locations like schools, child care facilities, and religious institutions. Additionally, these establishments are prohibited from setting up shop near other similar businesses within the same radius. The updated ordinance would enforce stricter guidelines, requiring any new video lottery establishment looking to operate in a previously closed location to do so within 180 days before zoning changes restrict this possibility.
City Manager Rick Healy highlighted the council’s intention to create a zoning structure that limits the proliferation of new video lottery establishments, explaining that the shortened 180-day timeline aims to prevent a new business from opening after a previous one shuts down. The proposed ordinance pertaining to vape shops mirrors these guidelines, focusing on geographical spacing requirements to prevent vape shops from clustering too closely together or near certain places like schools and religious institutions.
Healy emphasized the council’s commitment to fostering business growth in the city while addressing concerns about catering to a broad audience, opposed to niche markets. He pointed out the negative impact of vape shops on the youth population, expressing a desire to promote healthier choices among young residents.
In other council business, members approved an ordinance that updates the city’s stormwater management and drainage plans, specifically addressing strategies for dealing with stormwater hotspots. Emphasizing areas with high concrete and asphalt concentration, such as parking lots, create challenges in managing stormwater flow compared to areas with green spaces that naturally absorb water.
Another approval involved naming an alley behind Smith Mart and the Moundsville Volunteer Fire Department as “VFD Drive,” a tribute to the fire department’s contributions to the city. Healy highlighted the importance of honoring the volunteer firefighters for their service to Moundsville and the wider community.
Overall, the recent council decisions reflect a proactive approach to balancing business opportunities with community well-being and long-term planning for city infrastructure and resource management. The council’s focus on strategic zoning and thoughtful decision-making underscores their commitment to creating a thriving and sustainable environment for Moundsville residents.