MORGANTOWN — Abdul Tarabishy and supporters of the proposed K-6 Wisdom Academy Charter School left Thursday’s meeting of the Morgantown Planning Commission a little perplexed, and more than a little frustrated.
As it did in January, the commission voted to table Tarabishy’s request for approval of a Type III development of significant impact site plan for the school’s chosen location, 13 South High St. — the former central office building for Monongalia County Schools.
Tarabishy is one three individuals who make up AST Morgantown Properties, the building’s new owner.
While pushing the issue back to March’s meeting is not the outcome the school’s backers were looking for, it’s better than what appeared to be Thursday’s inevitable alternative.
Once the issue was opened for discussion, it was clear there were still significant concerns.
The commission actually had a motion and second to deny the request ready for a vote before a last-minute suggestion to once again table the matter. It was explained that if the site plan application was denied, the only recourse would be an appeal to circuit court or reapply after at least six months.
The issues behind the commission’s apprehension remain unchanged from January’s meeting — traffic, particularly traffic backing up on South High, and pedestrian safety.
As was requested, Tarabishy presented a circulation plan showing how 13 cars at a time could stage in the building’s shared parking area with Alpha Associates using the lone S. High Street entrance/exit.
In its opening phase, seven of the building’s 14 classrooms would be used by up to 100 students. Projections indicated 60-80 vehicles would access the building each morning and afternoon.
Tarabishy also presented, at the commission’s request, confirmation from Prairie Avenue Properties (Alpha Associates) and Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home that school traffic could use their respective parking areas.
The body was unmoved.
Commissioner Danielle Trumble was one of several members who said the concerns are not with a charter school, but a school in that location.
“I don’t see how this can operate in this facility on this street without — and I think significantly impacting is actually an understatement — but significantly impacting that neighborhood and our downtown traffic,” she said.
Commissioner Tim Stranko expressed frustration that the West Virginia Division of Highways isn’t more involved given South High is a state route, meaning it would require state intervention to even get a crosswalk at the site.
“It’s a narrow sidewalk. It’s a busy street. I’m confounded the DOH isn’t talking about school zones, traffic alerts and all the things we have around our other schools,” he said. “I think the safety is issue is another one we haven’t settled yet.”
Because it’s a building changing uses and not construction of a new school, Development Services Director Rickie Yeager explained, the DOH isn’t interested in anything beyond the basic access permit. Yeager said the DOH intends to provide that permit.
Following the meeting, Tarabishy said he thinks the commission is moving the goalposts, and noted they tabled his request without any further guidance on what specifically he needs to provide in March.
“I’m doing every step. They tell me to do this and this. I do it. I provided to them what they asked for. Then we come to this meeting and basically I’m left in a worse position now,” Tarabishy said, explaining he’s expecting a call from Yeager to clarify what he can do to satisfy the commission.
Supporters of the school were especially wrankled by the notion that the charter school traffic would be an unsafe burden in an area that see’s some 2,000 Morgantown High School students arrive and depart each day.
One MHS parent who asked not to be identified said he questions the commission’s motives.
“Come take a look at that intersection in the morning — that very same intersection they’re concerned about. My question is, if it’s about safety, how is potentially 60 vehicles a concern, when 2,200 vehicles clearly are not. I don’t see it. I think there must be something we’re not seeing here. This is absurd to say the least.”
There was also frustration following the meeting that the commission didn’t take public comment on Thursday.
Commission chair Peter DeMasters explained the commission held a lengthy public comment portion in January before the matter was tabled.
