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ELKINS -- Elkins City Council unanimously voted to grant the Tygart Hotel 's request for two reserved parking spaces in front of the hotel for loading and unloading - with the stipulation that the city may impose a lease in the future.
Woodlands Development Group and the management of the renovated and soon-to-open Tygart Hotel requested that two standard-sized parking spaces on Davis Avenue, immediately in front of the hotel, be dedicated to the hotel for loading and unloading.
"The proposed loading/unloading zones will allow our guests to pull in front of the Tygart Hotel, providing them with easy access to the check-in area," a letter to council from the hotel's general manager, Shane Jones, reads. "Once guests have completed the check-in process, they will be directed to the assigned parking area located behind the hotel. This arrangement will not only streamline the check-in process but also contribute to the overall efficiency of the hotel's operations.
"We understand the importance of proper traffic flow and the need for designated spaces within the city, and we assure you that the proposed loading/unloading zones will be utilized responsibly and exclusively for their intended purpose," Jones wrote.
"The Tygart Hotel would like to brand these two spaces specific to the Tygart Hotel in guidelines with City of Elkins requirements. The Tygart Hotel will take on the cost and production of these signs pending the design approval by the City of Elkins," the letter reads.
During the most recent city council meeting, Fifth Ward Councilman Cody Thompson asked, "Is that specific to loading and unloading cargo, or is it also loading and unloading and people going into the building? Everything?"
Mayor Jerry Marco responded, "Yes. It's primarily for the guests, I think, Cody."
"Are these leased parking spots?" asked First Ward Councilman Rob Chenoweth.
"I was just curious, what has been the traditional practice?" asked Fourth Ward Councilman Andrew Carroll. "Are there any past examples for us to look to? On one level, this seems very reasonable and makes perfect sense, and is probably the best use of those parking spaces no matter how you look at it. But I just wanted to make sure there was a decision that was consistent."
City Clerk Sutton Stokes said, "I think in general terms, the city used to be quite open to entertaining a request for these sorts of leases around the city. And then, at a certain point, and I can't quote when, it was essentially discontinued and they weren't going to entertain those requests.
"If the conversation comes around to being council's pleasure to require some sort of lease payment, one option would be to make a motion approving it with a directive applying similar terms to the other leases that are in existence."
City Treasurer Tracy Judy added, "I believe there are two or three businesses right now that do pay" a lease for dedicated parking spaces.
Stokes noted that city officials have "the desire for open, flexible parking ... but I think in this case, obviously when you're talking about people arriving with luggage and having to get in the front door of the hotel, it's a little bit different circumstance related to how crucial it is to the operation of the business."
Third Ward Councilman Chris Lowther asked, "How is this going to be marked to keep people from parking in the spots?"
"They're putting up their own signs," Marco said.
"Well, you can put up all the signs you want, but that's not going to stop me from parking there," Lowther said. "It's always been open parking. The whole street's always been open parking, now you're going to take two spots. You've already given them, what? Forty out back (in the parking lot behind the hotel)?
"I understand you need a place to unload and load, but you're taking more parking, more street parking away from the general public. So, how are they going to mark it and keep vehicles out of it for their loading and unloading? ... Are they going to have somebody stand at the door and go, 'You can't park there?'"
"That would be their responsibility to enforce it, to be honest, Chris," Marco said.
Council first unanimously voted to add an amendment to the original motion, reading "Council grants use of the spots now, with the stipulation that council reserves the right to impose a lease or other requirement in the future."
Council then unanimously approved the original motion, approving the dedication of the two parking spots.
Once complete, the Tygart Hotel will offer queen, double queen and king rooms, as well as king suites. Amenities will include complimentary Wi-Fi access and mobile check-in options.
The 56-room boutique hotel will also feature a full bar and restaurant, the Oxley House, and a banquet room.
The Tygart Hotel was constructed in 1906 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Woodlands Development Group purchased the Tygart Hotel for $700,000 in 2017. Woodlands hired The Mills Group, which is the renovation project's architect. Four non-traditional lending sources -- Partner Community Capital, Davis Trust, Freedom Bank, and Pendleton Community Bank -- helped fund the project.
Taylor Hospitality, a premier hospitality management and consulting company, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the hotel and restaurant.