Judge rules in favor of Putnam County Commission as warehouse plans continue

FRAZIERS BOTTOM, WV (WOWK) – A Putnam County judge has ruled in favor of the County Commission after residents tried to thwart a commercial rezoning project.

Earlier this year, the Putnam County Commission approved to rezone a portion of the town of Fraziers Bottom. The decision designates the area as a high-density commercial property zone, allowing 24/7 commercial businesses to move into the area.

This prompted three Fraziers Bottom residents to file a lawsuit against the commission. But the judge ruled that the rezoning was legal and that the commission followed legal procedure in doing so.

The project, dubbed “Project Kanawha,” will bring a 123,000-square-foot delivery center to Fraziers Bottom. This is according to documents obtained from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through a 13 News Freedom of Information Act request. It will be built off Winfield Road between Agate Lane and Alexanders Avenue.

With this decision, the project can go forward.

For people who call Fraziers Bottom home, including Sherry Wells, she says building a warehouse could bring unwanted noise and traffic to her town.

“Almost everybody lives out here because we love the quiet. It’s beautiful,” Wells said. “Taking beautiful land in one of the most beautiful areas to turn it into a cement wasteland? No.”

Rose Gatens also lives in Fraziers Bottom. She says she lives in the town to get away from high business areas throughout the county and does not want to see a warehouse disturb the quietness of the town.

“It’s gotten so crowded that they need to work on the outskirts of the town if they want Putnam County to grow. And unfortunately, it’s brought them to our area,” Gatens said.

At this time, it is unknown what company will move into the center.

The Putnam County Commission has not responded to 13 News’ request for comment.

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