by Lisa Schauer
The Town of Bath could be imposing fines and liens on vacant structures deemed unsafe as inspected by police and fire officials, Councilman Ryan Kessel announced in a public meeting on Tuesday, December 16.
Kessel said he is working on a new town ordinance to address the nuisance of unoccupied structures, which are an eyesore and attract drug addicts, creating a public safety issue.
There could be a fee structure for properties on the list of unsafe vacant structures in town. The town council will have to hold public hearings about the proposed rules before voting about whether to put them in place.
The initiative was piloted in Wheeling, and it worked, Kessel said.
Mayor Greg Schene said he spoke to people who own these properties, “who don’t live here, and don’t care about this town.”
Schene said the absentee owners are holding onto property hoping it’s worth something one day, and he will be calling to notify them of the new ordinance.
“Potential liens and fines on these unsafe, vacant structures will help get them sold to someone who cares,” said Schene.
Honoring National Guard members
In other business, Councilman Kessel said a letter was going to the town of Summersville to extend condolences on the loss of one of their own, West Virginia National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who died on Thanksgiving Day from injuries sustained in the line of duty at a Metro station in Washington, D.C.
A letter of support is also going to Martinsburg for Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, the guardsman recovering from critical injuries in the lone gunman attack on November 26.
Christmas wrap up
Mayor Schene said about 500 kids skated for free at Bath Christmas market ice rink, paid for by The Seeley Foundation.
He recognized the many volunteers, businesses and private donors for a successful Bath Christmas with zero incidents.
A resident, who identified herself as Carol Caflisch, asked about the pole across from Fairfax Coffee with a sign under a wreath stating, “sponsored by VDARE Foundation.”
Caflisch said she objected to the sign in town. Councilwoman Reba Dalson asked her why she finds it objectionable.
Heading off a debate between the two, Councilman Rick Weber said anyone can go to the VDARE website and see their views for themselves.
The VDARE Foundation was the non-profit organization behind the anti-immigration website VDARE.com, which ceased operations in July 2024 due to legal issues.
Mayor Schene said the Town of Bath has no authority over that pole. He said Bath Christmas Project obtained permission from Potomac Edison.
Schene said the town had no communication with Bath Christmas Project on the sign.
“It’s their Constitutional right,” said Schene, stating he gets complaints from both the left and the right about flags and signs in town.
Schene suggested Caflisch take up the issue with Bath Christmas Project.
