Monongalia County Commission Special Meeting July 24, 2026

The Monongalia County Commission held a special meeting on July 24, 2026, primarily to consider a zoning map amendment request (case MA 0012026) to change several parcels from low density residential (R1) to general commercial (C2) in the West Run planning district. The Planning Commission staff recommended denial due to concerns about inadequate infrastructure, particularly the narrow and unsafe condition of West Run Road and an undersized bridge, which could not currently support increased commercial traffic. The applicant argued that the rezoning was consistent with the comprehensive plan and that infrastructure improvements would be addressed at later development stages. Legal counsel discussed procedural issues including a commissioner’s recusal and the 60-day statutory deadline for decision-making, noting the application could be deemed approved by operation of law if not acted upon. After deliberation, the County Commission voted to approve the zoning amendment, citing safeguards and future infrastructure requirements enforced by the Department of Highways and planning regulations. The discussion highlighted concerns about road safety and infrastructure capacity but ultimately supported the rezoning to accommodate growth in the area.