City of Morgantown

Starting today, demolition projects kicked off as our contractor, Reclaim Company LLC, began tearing down two structures near the former Richwood Grill! 👷♂️ Once cleared, these lots will be transformed into staging areas for the remaining demolitions.

🎉 Celebrate Municipal Government Week with the City of Morgantown from Oct. 14-20! Kids ages 2-16 can visit City Hall with a parent or guardian during normal business hours for a free goodie bag filled with treats and information about city services! Plus, don’t miss our coloring contest for students enrolled in elementary or middle school and the "If I Were Mayor" essay contest for middle and high school students. Students or their guardians must submit their entry by Oct. 17 for a chance to win. (Students must be in a public, private, or homeschooled program within Monongalia County in order to participate). 🖍️✨ The link to download the contest guidelines and coloring sheets can be found on the Communications Department page of our website. https://lnkd.in/ekN6e5Af

Mayor Joe Abu-Ghannam recently had the opportunity to attend and speak at the Mid Atlantic Section Institute of Transportation Engineers (MASITE) meeting. "Thrilled to welcome everyone to Morgantown, my beloved home! Growing up in Loudoun, VA, I witnessed firsthand how transportation shapes a community. From rural roots to a bustling hub, I saw how roads and Dulles Airport transformed lives. In Morgantown, we’re building our own success story. Reliable transportation isn’t just about getting around—it fuels our economy, connects our schools, and ensures safety for all. Our innovative Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system, scenic trails, and the Mountain Line Bus System highlight our commitment to accessibility and sustainability. Join us as we continue to invest in infrastructure that supports our community’s growth and well-being. Explore Morgantown, where the journey truly starts!"

Each fall, our Public Works Department provides a leaf removal and pickup service at no cost to residents within city limits! If your street has leaves collecting in the ditch lines, you may call the Public Works Department at 304-291-7465 to be added to the list for leaf removal. Alternatively, leaves can be bagged in large, lawn-size trash bags and placed at the end of residents' driveways for collection.

Council Connection just came out! 📥 Consideration of APPROVAL of (Second Reading) of An Ordinance providing for the Zoning Reclassification of certain parcels of Real Estate in the First Ward of the City of Morgantown, Tax District 9, Tax Map 48A, Parcel 12, Commonly known as 1433 Dorsey Avenue from a R-1, Single-Family Residential District to a B-1, Service Business District amending Article 1331 of the Planning and Zoning Code of the City of Morgantown as shown on the exhibit hereto attached and declared to be a part of this Ordinance as if the same were fully set forth herein (First reading 8/20/2024) Passed 7-0 Consideration of APPROVAL of (Second Reading) of An Ordinance providing for the Zoning Reclassification of certain portions of parcels of real estate in the Fourth Ward of the City of Morgantown, Tax District 12, Tax Map 14, Parcels 12.1, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 498, and Tax Map 15, Parcels 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 92.1, 93, 93.1, 93.2, 93.3, 94, 95, 96, 97, 277, 278, 279 from a O-I, Office and Institutional District to a R-3, Multifamily Residential District Amending Article 1331 of the Planning and Zoning Code of the City of Morgantown as shown on the exhibit hereto attached and declared to be a part of this Ordinance as if the same were fully set forth herein (First reading 8/20/2024) Passed 7-0 Consideration of APPROVAL of (Third Reading) of An Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition and Construction of Additions, Betterments and Improvements to the Sewerage Portion of the Existing Public Combined Waterworks, Sewerage and Stormwater System of the City of Morgantown and the Financing of the cost thereof, 2not otherwise provided, through the issuance by the city of not more than $45,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of combined utility system revenue bonds, Series 2024 A (West Virginia SRF program); and not more than $5,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of combined utility system revenue bonds, Series 2024 B (West Virginia SRF program/forgivable); providing for the rights and remedies of and security for the registered owners of such bonds; authorizing execution and delivery of all documents relating to the issuance of such bonds; approving, ratifying and confirming a bond purchase agreement relating to such bonds; authorizing the sale and providing for the terms and provisions of such bonds and adopting other provisions relating thereto (First reading 9/3/2024, Second reading 9/17/2024) Passed 7-0 Consideration of APPROVAL of (Second Reading) of An Ordinance amending the FY 2024-2025 Annual Budget of the City of Morgantown as shown in the revised budget attached hereto and made a part of this Ordinance as the same applies to the General Fund (First reading 9/17/2024) Passed 7-0 To read about the new business that was discussed during this week’s council meeting, sign up to receive our Council Connection! https://lnkd.in/eW_jic2U

We’re excited to announce that the MFD will be hosting two open houses in October! These events are designed to give prospective candidates an inside look at the department’s expectations and operations. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in agility trials, engage in a question-and-answer session with members of the department, and take a tour of the facility. MFD personnel look forward to giving recruits and any other citizens interested in becoming firefighters the chance to experience the station firsthand. Agility stations will include stair climbing exercises with a weighted vest in addition to hose dragging, mannequin drills, and hammer striking. All of these activities are considered occupational requirements for firefighters. The open houses will take place at Northside Fire Station, located at 1000 Van Voorhis Rd., Morgantown, WV. The first event is set for Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a second open house on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, at 1 p.m. We hope to see you there!

The City of Morgantown is proud of the Ruby Amphitheater and the many accomplishments achieved by our city staff in recent years, particularly with the addition of the free Ruby Summer Concert Series. As community members from across the state cast their votes in various categories, we strongly encourage you to support Morgantown as the "Best Town for the Arts." Our city boasts a vibrant arts scene, featuring a variety of establishments in the downtown area that offer something for everyone. For live music and performances, venues like 123 Pleasant Street, the Ruby Amphitheater, and the Metropolitan Theatre are standout choices. The Monongalia Arts Center provides a home for many talented local artists, while local businesses such as Hoot and Howl, The Art Bar, and Art Party proudly support and showcase their work. Rather than telling you more about the incredible arts community in Morgantown, we invite you to affirm it by voting for Morgantown in the Best of WV competition. While you're casting your vote for Morgantown as the "Best Town for the Arts," we also encourage you to vote for the Ruby Amphitheater as the "Best Live Music Venue" and the "Best Fair/Festival/Event." If you haven't experienced one of the summer concerts yet, be sure to follow the Ruby Amphitheater for updates on the fantastic events they host throughout the summer.

Want to stay up-to-date on what is discussed during the City Council meetings? These monthly emails summarize the considerations for approval for old and new business that is being discussed. You can also find the meeting agenda and packet that was presented that evening. Sign up to receive our Council Connection! https://lnkd.in/eW_jic2U

Starting October 1, Morgantown Parking Authority will be partnering with Christian Help to collect donations for Toys for Tots. Donate a toy valued at $10 or more to be entered in a drawing to win a 24-hour parking permit at our Spruce Street, University Avenue, or Wharf Garages! (Receipt of purchase value must be included with donation) Donations can be dropped off at the Morgantown Parking Authority office, located at 300 Spruce Street, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The First Prize Winner will receive 6 months of free Parking (valued at $660), the Second Prize Winner will receive 3 months of free Parking (valued at $345), and the Third Prize Winner will receive 1 month of free parking (valued at $115). The drawing will take place on December 5 at noon!

Yesterday, Mayor Joe Abu-Ghannam proudly presented a proclamation recognizing West Virginia Council of International Programs Day. Mandy Filippelli, WVCIP Coordinator, accepted the acknowledgement. The City of Morgantown would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the local host families, placement agencies, and the dedicated volunteer board of directors who make this program possible. You truly are the world's cultural ambassadors!