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By Liz Beavers
lbeavers@newstribune.info
managing editor
KEYSER — Although Mineral County Commission President Wayne Spiggle says a move to have the local portion of U.S. Route 50 designated as a Scenic By way is “not dead,” Commissioner Cindy Pyles says the idea needs to be put to rest unless some of the businesses located along the highway would request the designation.
Spiggle, who also chairs the U.S. Route 50 Association, had been promoting the designation through that organization for at least a year.
At the association's May meeting, however, Hampshire County's representatives indicated they were not in favor of the idea and Spiggle “removed the issue from the table.”
The proposal was not voted down by the membership, as was indicated in some media reports.
Those who are not in favor of the designation have argued that the strict restrictions placed upon signage along a Scenic Byway places undue hardships on businesses, while those in favor of the designation say it helps preserve the integrity of the historic highway.
According to Spiggle, Grant, Mineral, Garrett and Taylor counties had expressed approval of the proposal, “but majority does not rule in policy matters with this organization.”
Even with Hampshire County being very outspoken against the idea, Spiggle said he feels the
Route 50 Association “should keep an open mind and find out what has been the experience of the other jurisdictions having Scenic Byway status.”
Pyles said in a recent commission meeting, however, that unless she hears from the businesses, the issue should be dropped.
“One of the things I said in the beginning was that we need to understand there are some effects on businesses,” she said. “What I have concluded is that, if the businesses on Route 50 come to me and say 'I want to be a part of the Byway,' then I will support making it a Scenic Byway.
“I am neither for nor against the issue, but I believe those along the route need to have a voice concerning this issue.”
The next meeting of the Route 50 Association will be held Wednesday, July 15, at a location to be announced in Taylor County.
By Liz Beavers
lbeavers@newstribune.info
managing editor
KEYSER — Although Mineral County Commission President Wayne Spiggle says a move to have the local portion of U.S. Route 50 designated as a Scenic By way is “not dead,” Commissioner Cindy Pyles says the idea needs to be put to rest unless some of the businesses located along the highway would request the designation.
Spiggle, who also chairs the U.S. Route 50 Association, had been promoting the designation through that organization for at least a year.
At the association's May meeting, however, Hampshire County's representatives indicated they were not in favor of the idea and Spiggle “removed the issue from the table.”
The proposal was not voted down by the membership, as was indicated in some media reports.
Those who are not in favor of the designation have argued that the strict restrictions placed upon signage along a Scenic Byway places undue hardships on businesses, while those in favor of the designation say it helps preserve the integrity of the historic highway.
According to Spiggle, Grant, Mineral, Garrett and Taylor counties had expressed approval of the proposal, “but majority does not rule in policy matters with this organization.”
Even with Hampshire County being very outspoken against the idea, Spiggle said he feels the
Route 50 Association “should keep an open mind and find out what has been the experience of the other jurisdictions having Scenic Byway status.”
Pyles said in a recent commission meeting, however, that unless she hears from the businesses, the issue should be dropped.
“One of the things I said in the beginning was that we need to understand there are some effects on businesses,” she said. “What I have concluded is that, if the businesses on Route 50 come to me and say 'I want to be a part of the Byway,' then I will support making it a Scenic Byway.
“I am neither for nor against the issue, but I believe those along the route need to have a voice concerning this issue.”
The next meeting of the Route 50 Association will be held Wednesday, July 15, at a location to be announced in Taylor County.
