Latest news with #AlexPetry
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Fairmont moves forward with PODA ordinance
FAIRMONT, (WBOY) — During Tuesday night's Fairmont City Council meeting, a public hearing was held, followed by the second and final reading of an ordinance concerning the establishment and regulation of Private Outdoor Designated Areas (PODAs) within the city limits. Following the hearing, the council unanimously approved the ordinance, which will allow local businesses to apply for a special license from the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner. This license permits businesses to serve alcoholic beverages that may be consumed outside their premises, provided that patrons remain within the boundaries of the designated PODA district. Several business owners in attendance expressed strong support for the ordinance, highlighting the social and economic opportunities it will create for both their establishments and the community gathering in the PODA district. 'This is really exciting for us because it is going to give extra incentives for residents and also businesses to come to downtown Fairmont,' Executive Director of Main Street Fairmont Alex Petry said. 'I just want to commend the city for their work on this, and I consider them an excellent partner of Main Street Fairmont.' Fairmont City Manager Travis Blosser stated that the rollout of PODA signage and full implementation of the program will take some time. He added that an official launch date for the district will be announced in the near future. Cheeseman to return as Doddridge County Superintendent 'It's important to support the local businesses that are already here and that foot traffic for them, but those folks who may be looking to Fairmont and thinking 'wow, Fairmont is a place to do business, I really want to be there,'' Blosser said. Under the PODA regulation, the standard operating hours for PODAs will be Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Also, during the meeting, Petry stated that, 'It's about more than just permitting open container areas. It's about implementing a program, an opportunity to help our downtown progress and create a safer, more inviting and economically resilient city center.' Fairmont now joins a select group of cities in the Mountain State to adopt a PODA framework. Other municipalities that have implemented similar programs include Morgantown, Clarksburg, Wheeling, Charleston, and Huntington. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Fairmont Hometown Market series holds first event for 2025
Buckhannon's 83rd Strawberry Festival honors first responders FAIRMONT, (WBOY) — Vendors and other local merchants were battling against strong gusts during Fairmont's first Home Town Market in 2025 Saturday afternoon, but that didn't keep people away from enjoying the live music and otherwise pleasant temperatures. Organized by Main Street Fairmont, the Home Town Market series in downtown Fairmont features dozens of local vendors and food options, many of which had to resort to holding down their tents or awnings to prevent them from being blown away entirely. While the weather posed challenges to some vendors on Saturday, Executive Director of Mainstreet Fairmont, Alex Petry, said the markets are a great way to bring more attention to local and downtown businesses. 'They need supported right now, our small businesses need supported, and this is a celebration of everything that's awesome about downtown,' Petry said. Each Hometown Market this summer will have a different theme, with May 17's theme being 'Music On Monroe.' Live music was provided during the event by The Fridley Boys and Weary Space Wanderer. Alleged groundhog abuse being investigated in West Virginia Future Hometown Markets will be held on the third Saturday of every month through September: June 21 — Pride Block Party (in Partnership with Fairmont Pride) July 19 — Annual Friendly City Car Show Aug. 16 — The Annual Tomato Festival Sept. 20 — The End of SummerBash! If you'd like to sign up to be a vendor at future Hometown Markets, you can find signup details on the Main Street Fairmont website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
