On Monday January 23, 2012 a judge in Wheeling ruled that portions of 15th and 16th streets in Wheeling between Wood and McCulloch streets could be taken by way of eminent domain for a sports complex that will be for "public" use. The block contains numerous buildings and homes - some inhabited, some abandoned. Homeowners in this area are frustrated by what they say is a lack of communication about the proposed sports complex and its plan for "public use."
The Friends of Wheeling had the opportunity to tour some of the buildings in September and were able to get an up close look at this historic block. One of the neglected structures is an apartment building that was once owned by the famed racketeer Bill Lias. A few of the other buildings are home to industrious residents who have been preserving and restoring their homes, but have since halted due to the uncertainty of their neighborhoods status. The ages of these buildings date anywhere from the 1850's (if not earlier) up until the late Victorian era. Homeowners will appeal the recent decision to the State Supreme Court.
The Friends of Wheeling had the opportunity to tour some of the buildings in September and were able to get an up close look at this historic block. One of the neglected structures is an apartment building that was once owned by the famed racketeer Bill Lias. A few of the other buildings are home to industrious residents who have been preserving and restoring their homes, but have since halted due to the uncertainty of their neighborhoods status. The ages of these buildings date anywhere from the 1850's (if not earlier) up until the late Victorian era. Homeowners will appeal the recent decision to the State Supreme Court.
