BUCKHANNON WEST VIRGINIA December 6 2025
The Buckhannon City Council gathered for its regular Thursday meeting and conducted two public hearings; each hearing centered on grant submissions that could shape future city infrastructure. The session proceeded without any actionable votes, yet the conversations revealed concerns among residents and provided updates on community projects now underway.
The first hearing concerned the city’s submission of a FEMA grant application for phase one of the Taylor Street storm sewer collection system project. The hearing opened for comment and closed without any speakers, and the council moved forward to its next scheduled matter.
The second hearing centered on a proposed FEMA Five Percent Initiative Grant application linked to the city’s E-911 addressing project. The initiative aims to align Buckhannon addresses with county records in order to prevent mail delivery issues. During this hearing resident Nancy Shobe voiced clear opposition; she argued that the change could create unnecessary complications for citizens who would be forced to update every document that currently carries their existing address.
She explained that she served on city council during the last consideration of this issue and recalled the detailed discussions that took place at the time. She emphasized that the council had weighed the benefits and burdens and had previously determined that the addressing overhaul was not worth the disruption it would cause. Shobe expressed particular concern for Buckhannon’s older residents who may not have anyone available to assist them through the process of updating identification cards, financial accounts, prescriptions, insurance documents, and other essential records.
She further stated that residents had not received adequate notice about the possibility of changes, and she urged the council to pause the process so that community members could offer their input before any formal steps are taken.
If the grant is approved the city will hold another public hearing in which residents may express support or opposition.
Although neither hearing required a vote, the council did approve the authorization of a property acquisition needed for the city’s new water treatment plant. That action moved forward without dispute.
The meeting also included an update from members of the Leadership Upshur program. Courtney Luckasevic spoke on behalf of the group and outlined its upcoming service project in partnership with Appalachian Impact, the organization working to establish an interactive children’s museum on Main Street. Luckasevic detailed the group’s plans to provide volunteer labor, artistic support, and community sponsorship outreach. The team expects to begin work at the end of January and complete two six-hour days of onsite assistance, with additional efforts dedicated to fundraising for paint, tools, and the construction of a small children’s stage intended to support imaginative play.
Before adjourning, the council announced that its January first meeting had been canceled to avoid a conflict with the New Year’s Day holiday.
Primary First-Hand Sources
• The Record Delta reporting by Noah Jeffries
• Buckhannon City Council meeting proceedings
• FEMA program descriptions referenced within the meeting
Appalachian Post 
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