29-05-2025
Beckley Common Council opts to set new lease for East Park non-profit, before voiding current lease
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — Beckley Common Council opted not to cancel an existing lease for a non-profit organization which operates from a city-owned building in East Park.
The Southern West Virginia Multicultural Museum and Community Center has operated from a Washington Street building in Ward 3 since 2011, offering classes, summer day camp and literacy programs, according to one of the founders.
Council members have said the non-profit should pay utilities, according to the terms of the 2011 lease agreement.
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However, Ward 3 Councilman Frank Williams, who began directing the community center several years ago, said the city had paid utilities for years and that he had no knowledge of the 2011 lease terms.
Council members have discussed a new lease agreement in order to clarify the terms.
City Attorney Bill File told Council members on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, they could vote to cancel the current lease and to set a new lease within 30 days, but Council unanimously decided not to do so.
'A new lease needs to be completed prior to us cancelling this lease,' said Ward 5 Councilman Janine Bullock.
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At-Large Councilwoman Sherrie Hunter agreed with Bullock.
'I would rather the terms of the lease be presented to us first and then rather than waiting and not having a lease,' said Hunter. 'We know how leases have, unfortunately, worked out before.'
Last year, the owner and founder of Fruits of Labor Cafe moved out of a city-owned downtown building after operating there for around two years.
City officials came under fire for having invited the Fruits of Labor owner into the building without first entering into a binding lease agreement.
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