The West Wendover City Council approved the search for $2 million loan to move the city’s Public Works Department and reroute Florence Way in Tuesday’s meeting.
According to City Manager Chris Melville the project had been previously approved several years ago but when the Great Recession hit, was shelved. At that time the city did secure a $1.5 million loan for the project which is currently estimated to cost $3.5 million.
According to Melville the project would not only include building a new public works facility but also the extension of Florence way to the grounds of the West Wendover Elementary, High and soon to be constructed Middle schools to relieve traffic congestion.
However that might be easier sad than done. 25 years ago an error by the city allowed the construction of a whole block of houses where Florence Way now ends instead of maintaining Florence Way access to school district property. To the south of the residential block lies private commercial property. To extend the road to the school the city would either have to extend Florence around the private property or by using its power of eminent domain condemn the private property and bull doze through.
If a loan can be found it will be the largest project West Wendover would undertake this year.
The project could also become a campaign issue as did previous multi-million projects in elections past.
Wow 3.5 million for a public works building. What is it going to be made of GOLD? The city has several large buildings down at the reuse plant that could be used for public works. They have offices already in place down there and which are not being used. What is wrong with our city officials? Why do they insist on continuing to take out loans for things that are not needed? If they are going to take out a 3.5 million dollar loan it should be used to repair the failing roads around town. The city manager stated that some of that money will be used to relocate Florence way. The last I heard was that the city was going to require Elko County School District to pay for the relocation of Florence because it was leading to the school. That is why the cost of the school will be upwards of 30 million dollars. The City manager and council have rocks in their heads and are trying to pull the wool over it’s residents eyes. There will be four council seats open this year and I hope some of the residents will step up and try to change the current situation. West Wendover needs a change starting with a new City Manager.