NITRO, W.Va. — The Kanawha County Department of Planning and Development will conduct a public hearing Wednesday on a proposal from the city of Nitro to annex portions of Lakeview Drive and Goff Mountain Road.
The hearing will allow city officials and the public to discuss the proposal, as well as provide the planning office a chance to hear arguments before making a recommendation to the Kanawha County Commission.
Nitro officials are pushing for the annexation of around 2 miles of roads because of growing safety concerns in the area and traffic problems.
Nitro Mayor Dave Casebolt said officers often respond to calls in the area regarding minor wrecks, and traffic builds up around holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“In high traffic times, we can put a guy out and hopefully run some traffic through the light to hopefully alleviate some of the traffic problems,” he said.
Casebolt added while the state is responsible for maintaining the road, city crews can address potholes and clear snow if needed.
“Hopefully, they’ll have a better shopping experience out there,” he said. “They won’t be delayed so much by traffic and accident congestion.”
The annexation will not include any businesses or homes, and Casebolt stressed taxes will not increase as a result of the annexation.
“It helps the people of Cross Lanes who frequent the Marketplace and the Mardi Gras Casino. As a matter of fact, when they go out there and shop, they’re paying taxes to the city of Nitro. Why shouldn’t they get some benefit from it?” he added.
Cross Lanes and Institute volunteer firefighters have assisted in responding to calls in the area. Casebolt said both departments would continue their services, and Nitro first responders would assist as needed.
Wednesday’s meeting will be held at Cross Lanes Elementary School and is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. The Kanawha County Department of Planning and Development will vote on making a recommendation, and the county commission will take up the matter at a later date. According to County Engineer John Luoni, the commission could take up the matter at the earliest at its Dec. 5 meeting.