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It's no secret the state of Wheeling's downtown and what is left of its streets. I say that because at a glance it's hard to tell where the streets start and the large holes end.
Now before you tell me how great it's going to look in another year or so, that doesn't ease the discomfort now of trying to navigate downtown Wheeling. Social media posts tell of frayed nerves and frustration of the businesses that have managed to keep their doors open during the road work.
It's not easy to find parking near your destination yet the shows must go on. Then there is the issue of trying to cross Main or Market streets when there are no walk lights on certain blocks or they just aren't operating. It's even more difficult for anyone with a disability or who uses a wheelchair or walker.
I applaud the brave souls who have continued to patronize the businesses during this time. And the number of construction workers in the area have to help some of those retailers at lunchtime.
I hope so.
Recently I attempted to visit the WVU Medicine Urgent Care facility on the Market Plaza. This had always been a convenient facility with parking near the door.
After a few attempts at getting onto Market Street and crossing onto the plaza, I was dismayed to find no open parking spaces. I thought since it was early in the morning, there might be a metered location available, but I was wrong.
So I thought I would leave the plaza and head to the 10th Street Parking Garage. However, a large truck was parked in the plaza, blocking my exit.
A man was unloading the truck with a variety of building supplies and was not planning to move anytime soon. Frustrated again I managed -- after several maneuvers -- to back up and leave the plaza going the wrong way in the alley and getting back on to Market Street.
I gave up on my plans for the parking garage and drove out of town and out to the main hospital. It shouldn't have been that hard, and I wonder what people with an emergency need would do if they were trying to get to that urgent care facility on the plaza.
By the time you read this, Wheeling City Council will have met and discussed the business owners' and public's frustrations over the streetscaping project and the timing of so many road closures. I hope they found some answers, but I think It just might take a Christmas miracle ...
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.