by Lisa Schauer
The possible impact of future development on Bath’s water supplies and downtown economy were up for discussion during the Bath Council meeting on Tuesday, February 3.
In discussing the capacity of the Berkeley Springs Water Works to handle future customer demand, Councilwoman Mary Lynn Hickey said that 40 acres has been purchased by a large developer right past the overpass for the U.S. 522 bypass near Sheetz on Winchester Grade Road.
Hickey said she didn’t know which side of the road the property lies on, but that 200 homes could be planned for construction of a new development there.
“We don’t have the capacity to supply Morgan County,” Hickey said during her Water Works committee report.
“Nor the desire,” echoed Mayor Greg Schene.
Hickey and Schene both emphasized their desire for no increase in current customers’ water bills.
“Five hundred thousand gallons is all we can pump,” said Hickey of the Berkeley Springs Water Works plant, which is currently in need of repair and refurbishment.
On Thursday, Morgan County Planning Director Alex Moore said he has not received an application for a new residential development in that area, nor any other along the bypass.
However, Moore confirmed he has heard rumors of such a development.
Moore said a 40-acre parcel of land could yield close to 200 homes on quarter-acre lots with public sewer and water.
Homes served by a well and septic must be built on two-acre lots to contain their own utilities.
Cash offer on grade school
In his remarks at the town council meeting last Tuesday, Mayor Schene said he knew of three solid, cash offers have been made for the old school building on Green Street.
The former Bath District School building on Green Street, once owned by Morgan County Schools and then by the Morgan County government, is now for sale through Black Diamond Realty for $569,000.
Schene said one of the offers included deeding back the park behind the old grade school building.
That park briefly served as a skate park attraction in town. This offer envisions converting the building itself into office space and retail shops.
He said the buyers are waiting for the seller to respond to their offer.
Clean up continues
Councilman Rick Weber recognized the town’s public works team for working long hours to diligently clear streets and sidewalks of snow and ice piled up from last month’s winter storm.
Weber said they were working quickly to rectify any problems, such as clearing the parking lot on Warren Street for Lot 12’s re-opening.
Council approved his motion to purchase a sanitation vehicle through a financing agreement with CNB Bank for $100,000 at $1,900 per month.
Support for the arts
In other business, town council approved a $5,000 contribution to Morgan Arts Council for Saturday Concerts in the Park.
Seven concerts in the park are planned for the summer, with Town of Bath being the signature sponsor for a concert on Independence Day.
Million-dollar trees
Kate Lehman, chair of the Tree Board, reported 41 heritage trees, each around 100 years old, have been identified and tagged.
Lehman said the heritage trees are valued at $995,000 and are located primarily in the town’s cemeteries.
The designation will help preserve the town’s old trees, along with their benefits to the ecosystem, Lehman noted.
Deadline for Hotel/Motel funds
The town recorder announced the application for Request of Hotel/Motel Funds for fiscal year 2027 is posted on the town’s website, and available at the town hall office.
Application deadline is Saturday, February 28. Organizations are invited to apply for a grant, explaining how their program benefits tourism in the town.
Upcoming events
Mayor Schene said volunteers are needed for the 36th annual International Water Tasting event February 19 to 21.
In her cemetery committee report, Councilwoman Elizabeth Skinner said volunteers are needed for the annual “Make it Shine” event at Greenway Cemetery on Saturday, April 6.
Skinner said ads are scheduled in The Morgan Messenger with more information for anyone interested in volunteering for headstone restoration.
Additionally, a “Founding Flavors” food truck festival is being planned for May.