Pinecrest property ordinance fails to pass on second reading at Beckley City Council meeting

BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The hot-button issue of a proposed ordinance conveying over one hundred acres of real estate to the Raleigh County Commission failed to pass on its second reading during Tuesday’s Beckley City Council meeting.

Not dissimilar to the circumstances of the September 10, 2024, meeting of Beckley City Council , discussion of the proposed ordinance was a central topic of discussion. The ordinance passed on its first reading during the last session and was introduced once more this week for a second reading and public hearing.

Councilwoman At Large, Sherrie Hunter fought for an amendment to the ordinance allocating a partial amount of the Pinecrest Business and Technology Park to the Raleigh County Board of education for use by students in the community. The area is the site of a track currently used by Woodrow Wilson’s Cross Country team, many members of which made their voices her with regard to the issue on Tuesday.

“We don’t just want this course. This is a part of our team and our community,” said one team member during the public hearing portion of the session. “I implore you to stand for our children, protect our course, and their futures.”

Following the public hearing regarding the ordnance, Beckley Mayor Ryan Neal called for a motion for its passage. No motion was made, however, and the issue was officially tabled during the meeting.