FAIRMONT — A public hearing to address an ongoing property maintenance issue at a local towing business was continued by the Fairmont Board of Zoning Appeals Thursday night.
Danny and Donna Jones, the owners of Jones Towing located at 209 Suncrest Boulevard, were in attendance at the board’s monthly meeting to appeal a claim from the city’s building inspection office that a vehicle impound lot was being run at the property.
But, in the absence of the Jones’ attorney, David Grunau, the couple asked that the case be continued until the attorney could be in attendance to represent their case.
And with conditions that the Jones keep the property cleaned up and do not park any more than three vehicles at a time there, a motion was passed by board members to continue the case until Oct. 2.
City Attorney Kevin Sansalone said the current state of the property is a “substantial improvement” from how it looked when the Jones were cited with the initial violation on Jan. 30.
At that time, Sansalone and city building inspector and board member Scott Jolliff said nine vehicles were parked on the property, which was in violation of the area’s zoning code. Under City Code, the area is zoned neighborhood residential and an impound yard — which board member Ron Straight described as a property where multiple inoperable, wrecked vehicles are kept — is not permitted there.
Sansalone explained that the Jones have the authority to run the business office of Jones Towing from the property but had leased a separate, remote property in a different location to use as an impound lot.
However, officials said that the couple was no longer leasing that property and appeared to be using the Suncrest Boulevard location, where they also live, as the impound yard.
According to pictures taken at the property on Jan. 30 by code enforcement officer Anthony Horton, there were tires and other debris scattered across the ground and a tarp over the opening of the garage below the couple’s residence where the city had ordered a door be put up.
But in pictures taken Thursday before the board meeting, only three vehicles occupied the property, the area was much cleaner and more presentable, and a door had been erected in front of the garage.
“I do thank them and I do commend them for making a substantial effort to clean up (the property) from what it was Jan. 30, 2008,” Sansalone said.
And in the conditions in the motion made to continue the case, Sansalone said that that as long as the couple keeps up the maintenance of the property and parks no more than three operable, properly inspected vehicles there at one time, the Jones will not be cited for any more violations while the case is waiting to be heard and can continue to operate their tow business from the site.
Danny Jones also said that as long as Horton does not come to his property, he has no problem with city officials taking photographs or inspecting the property to ensure that he is abiding by these conditions.
On Jan. 30, Jones accused Horton of trespassing on his property and had him arrested. The code enforcement officer was found innocent on the misdemeanor trespassing and destruction of property charges in court in July, but Jones has made it clear that he does not want Horton to enter his property again.
E-mail Mallory Panuska at mpanuska@timeswv.com.
Local News
Jones Towing case continued
Until attorney can appear before Fairmont Board of Zoning Appeals
- Local News
-
-
Teaching on their level
“I would like to nominate Lois Thibodeau for ‘My Favorite Teacher.’ She is the special needs Pre-K teacher at Watson Elementary School.” This was Kristi Wolford singing the praises of Lois Thibodeau.
-
DHHR requiring additional vaccines for students
Seventh- and 12th-graders who return to class in the fall without certain immunizations will not be allowed to attend school unless they get the required inoculations.
-
Cost of crime
Victim.
You never thought this would be you.
But you are the victim of a nonviolent or violent crime.
After contacting the proper authorities, you may be bewildered as to what happens next. -
More streets to be paved this week
Even more city streets will be paved this week than expected.
City Manager Jay Rogers said the spring paving required fewer tons of asphalt to cover the distance than originally estimated. That means there’s asphalt to spare and more streets are getting paved this spring. -
Bertoletti has 33 pepperoni rolls in only 10 minutes to win
If there’s one Memorial Day tradition that everybody participates in, one way or another, it’s eating.
Maybe it’s at a picnic at one of the many venues scattered across Marion County, enjoying hamburgers, hot dogs, macaroni salad and other seasonal food. -
Assaults, physical or not, affect ‘sense of safety and trust’
An assault of any kind — whether it’s physical or not — can be traumatizing.
“You don’t need to have suffered any cuts or scratches,” said Dr. Ronald Pearse, “but any kind of assault affects your sense of safety and trust.” -
Reasoning Mind excites students
As a teacher, Beverly Stewart has never been more thrilled than when she sees the benefits a newer program has done for her students.
Pleasant Valley Elementary fifth-grade student Calista Muzzapelle worked diligently on her assignments last week, much like she had during her Christmas break. -
Pepperoni roll prize
To someone from out of state, the pepperoni roll might seem like a mystery.
“Is it like a calzone?” they might ask, “or a stromboli?”
Unique to the state of West Virginia, the pepperoni roll represents the Italian heritage of many of the miners in the early 20th century mixed with hardworking Mountaineer common sense. -
BOE seeks land for new middle schools
The Marion County Board of Education is looking at land to build new middle schools in Mannington and Monongah.
If all goes as planned, county voters will see a bond on the November ballot. -
Former WVU coach takes final journey home
Bill Stewart has made his way back home.
The former West Virginia University football coach, who died suddenly earlier this week of a heart attack at 59, was laid to rest Friday in his hometown of New Martinsville. - More Local News Headlines
-
