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ELKINS -- A representative of a coalition of local commercial property owners addressed Elkins City Council to offer ideas for the city's future.
Mark Doak of Envision Elkins told council that Elkins is facing many challenges, including a decreasing population.
"The 2020 census quantified a challenge for businesses, commercial property owners, residents and city council," Doak said. "Between 2010 and 2020, the population in Elkins decreased.
"Elkins now has a population of less than 7,000 -- 6,934 to be exact," he said. "A decline in population also leads to a decline in businesses. The challenge is to reverse this trend and grow the population of Elkins."
Doak also explained what Envision Elkins is.
"Envision Elkins is an informal group of commercial property owners -- many who do not live within the city limits," Doak said. "As commercial property owners, we have made an investment in Elkins to create opportunities for existing and new businesses.
"Every year this group continues to make financial investments in Elkins. We want to see Elkins excel."
Doak added, "Envision Elkins is not a hands-on organizer taking on projects or initiatives. We meet monthly for lunch -- usually it is a small group."
He said there was no single way to increase population and businesses, but added, "A growing business community creates more jobs, which attracts more people.
"A recreation economy attracts more visitors, which creates more jobs which attracts more people," Doak said.
"A safe environment nestled in the Appalachian Mountains attracts retirees, which creates more jobs, which attracts more people."
Doak noted the 50 property owners who make up Envision Elkins often discuss three topics -- annexation, public safety and Corridor H.
"While changes in West Virginia law makes annexation more difficult, it should still be pursued," he said. "Currently there does not seem to be talking points for residents or businesses as to the value, if any, of being located within the Elkins city limits. As another thought, the city may want to use part of the ARPA funds to improve infrastructure to proposed annexation areas."
He told council "the commercial property owners would like to have a police foot patrol on the city streets. This would increase communications among police offices, businesses and the public. Everyone would have a better understanding of the challenges to create a safe environment."
Regarding Corridor H, Doak said "Elkins has always been an economic hub attracting people from many area communities. Elkins must take advantage of Corridor H and use it as a resource to attract visitors and businesses."
Doak said, "Envision Elkins is optimistic about the future -- while realizing that optimism is not action. Working together we can create a positive business climate leading to population increase."
Elkins City Council will meet tonight at 7 p.m. in City Hall.