For roughly 35 minutes, developers Woody Thrasher and Jack Keeley addressed the Bridgeport City Council during this evening’s work session on the success of the White Oaks development that was announced in March of 2008 and broke ground of January 2009.

 

Nearly five and a half years later, it’s hard to say that the development hasn’t been a success. Thrasher told those gathered that there has been more than $200 million in development and White Oaks has already provided nearly $10 million in fees and taxes paid to the City of Bridgeport. A large portion of what’s taken place has been successful development through private investment and what Thrasher called successful use of the development being a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District.

 

“There is not another development in the state of West Virginia that has done one-tenth of that in the same time frame. We’re the poster child for what a TIF district should be,” said Thrasher of the district that allows tax dollars over and above the original assessment to be utilized in the development for infrastructure purposes.

 

After done with the discussion and presentation, Council member Diana Marra asked the pair “what is it that we can do for you?”

Initially, the answer was surprising. Thrasher leaned back and said something unusual for most developers when asked that by a governing body.

 

“I wish I could think of something,” he said.

 

Eventually, Thrasher alluded to reports of the City of Bridgeport considering a trio of projects at Charles Pointe that have some TIF applications. Thrasher said he was surprised his development, which also has property that could be utilized, wasn’t approached.

 

“I think it was more of a situation where the offer was made to the city (by Charles Pointe officials) and we weren’t opposed to the properties,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bob Greer.

 

Keeley said they would like to be looked at for some of the projects.

 

“Our properties aren’t any more expensive,” said Keeley.

 

Thrasher went a step further and said the pricing was likely better for what they could offer. In particular, Thrasher said there was an ideal spot for a massive recreation complex available. He said 40 acres in Phase II, which sits atop a hill, would be out of the way and convenient. Thrasher also said there would be no issues with lights and noise intruding on residential neighborhoods.

 

“I think it would be a heckuva recreational area,” said Thrasher about the site for a potential indoor facility that has seen discussion heat up tremendously in the last year. “ … You just can’t do the type of work we do with development and have any type of residential units around.”

 

For Thrasher, however, he said the greatest pleasure derived from the project is that it’s been handled privately. With the exception of the city signing off on the TIF agreement and an Economic Development Agency loan along with a pocket park paid for by the Greater Bridgeport Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, government money hasn’t been the horse pushing the cart.

 

“Jack and I take great pride that we’ve had no economic assistance,” said Thrasher.

 

The pair also updated Council on what's coming to the site, including TGI Friday's and the law firm Jackson Kelly, PLLC. He said to expect more announcements soon.

 

Although no action was taken, Council seemed agreeable to look into the possibility. Marra then asked Thrasher and Keeley to return at any time or to contact city administration with ideas.

 

While that discussion took place in executive session, a large portion of the first part of tonight’s meeting focused on the presentation of proclamations. Several groups were recognized during the two-hour regular portion of the meeting.

 

The GFWC Bridgeport Woman’s Club and the GFWC Bridgeport Junior Woman’s Club received proclamations for their 65th year of service. The club then served cake to everyone present.

 

Also, HOPE, Inc. was presented with a proclamation designating April as Sexual Harassment Awareness Month. The Harrison County Prevention Partnership received a proclamation designating April as Alcohol Awareness Month. BHS junior Noah Markley was presented with a proclamation for winning the 285-pound Class AA-A state wrestling championship.

 

Greer also received a check for $5,000 from Waste Management. The check was to help with the city's planned Hazardous Waste Pickup Day that will be open to all county residents.

 

Following the proclamations, Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton was joined by Deputy Director Joe Shuttleworth in making their department’s annual report to Council. The pair gave an overview of facilities, educational programs, recreational programs including sports and special events, how they work with the community, beautification projects being undertaken, current projects and more.

 

Following their presentation, several members of Council lauded the pair and their entire staff for handling tens of thousands of individuals each year at various facilities with minimal complaints. Marra and Council member Dustin Vincent raved about the positive feedback they receive about Bridgeport’s parks system when going out of the area and even out of state.

 

In other business, Council:

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Woody Thrasher, left, and Jack Keeley during the work session portion of the meeting, while the second photo is of Phase II planned for White Oaks. In the third photo is the cake shared by the Women's Club during the meeting for all who attended. In the fourth photo Don Burton presents the Parks and Recreation Department's annual report, while City Manager Kim Haws is shown in the bottom photo. More photos in a gallery later this week on Connect-Bridgeport.