To The Editor:

I suggest the City to apply for funding for a new state-of-the-art Weirton Library at the Cove School Site. It would be a high tech facility with high speed Internet service and classes for the school children and adults of Weirton. The existing library building on Walnut Street would house the new location for the Weirton Cultural Center with Museum. A replica of a log fort would be built inside the existing library building on the first floor. It has approximately 14 parking stalls on the back-side of the building and handicap parking on the Main Street level next to the community center for use by patrons. This is another way of looking at the concept of an Art, History and Cultural Center proposed by the Rev. Larry Dorsch, pastor, St. Paul Catholic Church, for the City to pursue in his Letters to the Editor dated July 26, 2009.

My suggestion for a city amphitheater would be located on the existing ball field behind the community center, which presently sits on prime real estate that can be easily used to revitalize our downtown area and, specifically, our Municipal Plaza. An elevated stage would be constructed in the centerfield area with permanent bench seating on the outfield grass area. The home plate area would be a new home for the Police, Fire, and EMS Memorial presented to the mayor by retired police chief George Redish. The existing ball field outdoor restroom facility would be used for the new amphitheater and memorial patrons. Per conversation with police personnel, foul balls have caused dents and windshield damage to vehicles near the field area. The existing fencing, scoreboard, backstop, and light standards would be relocated to a new site on Weirton Heights. The light standard piers would remain with decorative lighting for the amphitheater. By relocating the ball field to a Weirton Heights site, this would also provide additional parking for community center activities and parking at the new Cultural Arts Building with Museum in their new location in the existing library. The City of Weirton 4th of July fireworks could be shot off from the ArcelorMittal Steel's rail yard at Walnut Street, behind the new City amphitheater site. The City amphitheater could be used for the City of Weirton Renaissance after the 4th of July Parade, City of Weirton Fall Festival, outdoor concerts, and other city organized events.

The new location for the ball field could be relocated next to the new Wal-Mart where Weirton Steel had their softball field at the G.O. Grounds or on Colliers Way (next to the J.C. Williams Soccer Complex), or another proposed site. Future baseball tournaments could be provided there with restaurants, new Wal-Mart, hotels for out-of-state teams in close proximity of Route 22.

Let's look at the "whole" picture to make something the city would be proud of.

Ray Gajtka

Former City of Weirton Planning Commission Member

Weirton