STREETSCAPE PROJECTS EXPECTED TO IMPROVE GRANTSVILLE'S MAIN DRAG - Mayor Blankenship Says Rainbow Hotel Demolition Pending

(05/29/2019)
5-28-2019 - Mayor Blankenship and the Town Council have been working on a number of major projects. They include the Rainbow Hotel, the old Calhoun Bank building, and the Streetscape Project.

Mayor Blankenship says he has negotiated an agreement with the owner of the Rainbow Hotel allowing for the demolition of the old building. In addition, the WV Army National Guard has agreed to demolish the structure, however, have not been able to provide a specific date for the demolition.

Following the construction of a new bank building, Calhoun Banks deeded their previous building to the Town of Grantsville. All city offices, as well as offices for the WV State Police, are now housed on the main floor of the old bank building. The top floor of the building has been leased to Harmony Mental and Family Services.

The Streetscape project includes federal funding for sidewalk upgrades. Despite involvement by the town, this project has moved very slowly.

Mayor Blankenship and council members were able to meet with Department of Highway representatives on May 22nd regarding the project.

"We now hope this project will be able to move forward at a much faster pace," said Blankenship.

5-27-2019 - The Town of Grantsville has received two grants from the WV Department of Transportation for the development of Streetscape beautification and improvement projects in the town.

The Phase One grant for $350,000 was issued in 2016 and development consultant Will Smith with Terragon said his company was hired in 2018 to develop the initial project, which Smith says is now being submitted for biding in 2019.

Town Councilwoman Linda Jarvis said the Phase One project will include an area between Grantsville's Dollar General Store and NAPA.

Jarvis said a Phase 2 $350,000 grant was awarded the town in 2017, and will extend the Main Street project.

"Changes in the town of Grantsville seem to be a real prospect now," said Jarvis, including further Streetscape development.