KINGWOOD — The Blueprint Community Committee is working to attract more business.
Kingwood Councilwoman Michelle Whetsell, who represents council on the Blueprint Community Committee, said the committee is holding virtual meetings and discussing ways to make Price Street more appealing to both the public and to new businesses.
She said one of the projects is the removal of the Sweet Annie’s building on Price Street.
“We are working with the EDA (Economic Development Administration) to take it down,” she said. “It’s going to be baby steps.”
Whetsell said another idea being discussed by committee members is beautification — “taking a patch of green and turning it into a downtown park.”
That’s not all the committee is working on.
Whetsell said she believes two of the biggest problems facing businesses on Price Street is business hours and a lack foot traffic.
“Weekends are the hardest for downtown business owners,” she said. “Kingwood is busy until noon Saturday and then there is nothing.”
She said holding weekend events would be an attraction that would draw people downtown.
“We’re looking at a second or third Saturday event,” Whetsell said. “We are trying to get feedback from the public about what they would like to see.”
She said a possibility would be food trucks to go along with music and entertainment.
“People go where there is food,” Whetsell said. She said another idea would be a cook-off between local restaurants.
Whetsell said considering opening a business is a difficult decision.
“It’s a major commitment,” Whetsell said. “I know this on a personal basis from having my own business.”
She said rent is a huge consideration when considering to start a business.
“We can’t tell someone what to charge for rent,” Whetsell said. “When a building is empty it’s lost revenue for the owner. Maybe it’s feasible to make it profitable for both the building owner and the business.”
She said having a coffee shop on Price Street would be a plus because it would draw needed foot traffic.
“We’re not opposed at looking at a major market,” Whetsell said. “Pop-up stores would be a good thing. They have been successful in the retail industry — specialty stores that’s not competing with Morgantown and Walmart.”
She said the committee is working on small goals that will become big ones and all tie in together.
“In four or five years you will see a difference,” she said.
Previously, Preston County Chamber of Commerce President Kerry Gnik said she believes Main Street Kingwood and the Blueprint Community Committee are working to make the Kingwood business environment better.
“I’m really impressed with Blueprint and how hard they are working. We support both Main Street and the Blueprint Community Committee 100%,” she said.
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