Owners Want Mud Bog at Weston Hospital
By JOHN WICKLINE, Staff Writer
POSTED: February 5, 2008
The owners of the old Weston State Hospital property announced Monday that they want to put a mud bog on the property, but fear they may themselves become bogged down by the lack of support.
Rebecca Jordan, the daughter of the man who purchased the property from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, said there is a “ton of interest” across the region for having four-wheel-drive trucks navigate through the muddy obstacles. The event would be offered two Saturdays each month between April and October.
“We do know that it would bring a lot of business to the area,” she said during Monday’s meeting of the Weston City Council. “That is, of course, if it is allowed to happen.”
In addition to the economic boost, the event could also bring in lots of noise to the bordering neighborhoods.
Building Inspector John Hogan said city ordinances allow for the police to enforce litter and noise laws up to a half-mile beyond the city borders.
Councilman Jim Anderson said it would be the responsibility of the Jordans to drum up support from the residents who would be affected by the noise of the mud-flinging vehicles.
“Does that (inconvenience) outweigh the benefits to the city, the county and the state?” asked Jordan.
Councilman Jim Oldaker said he would not trample on an individual’s rights just to add money to city coffers.
“Can we overlook an individual’s rights for the benefits of the city?” he questioned. “I would say no. I don’t believe in violating the rights of 10 people even if it is for the benefit of the city. If we take it from one, then we take it from another and pretty soon, nobody has any rights.”
The Jordans have not compiled the cost it would take to turn the portion of the property, which is outside of Weston’s corporate limits, into a competition area for mud-bogging trucks. Jordan said those costs would be calculated only if they get the green light for the project.
Police Chief Rob Clem said if the Jordans explain their proposal to the local neighborhoods, it may be more readily accepted. He said if the Jordans were to proceed with the event over the residents’ protests, “our phones will be ringing off the hook.”
“Yes, it is a noisy sport, but I am glad to see events that draw in outside-the-county dollars,” said Joy Stalnaker, who has worked with the Jordans in her capacity with the Weston Historical Landmarks Commission. “The participants and the spectators will have to drive on city streets. During October Fest, McDonald’s had an 18 percent increase in business they attributed directly to the festival.”
Stalnaker said tours of the old state mental hospital will begin in March, and plans are already underway for another October Fest for the weekend of Oct. 24-26.
