Planning Commission endorses plan by Genesis Partners

 The Exponent Telegram 

Friday, July 1, 2005

By:  Jim Fisher – METRO EDITOR CLARKSBURG – The Harrison County Planning Commission on Thursday endorsed a plan by Genesis Partners for a Planned Unit Development at Charles Pointe. The Planned Unit Development still must be approved by Bridgeport City Council. Representatives of Genesis Partners, developers of Charles Pointe, outlined the plan during the commission’s regular monthly meeting Thursday. The aim of the plan is to show, in great detail, what will happen over the next 20-30 years, said Mike Hager, director of hospitality and leisure services. The Planned Unit Development does not include any of the North Land Bay that is now being developed or portions west of Interstate 79, he said. During the presentation, Hager, and Tom Hall, landscape architect and land planner, outlined the goals of Charles Pointe. The overall plan includes single-family and multi-family housing, shopping, heavy retail and commercial areas, an upscale hotel (in addition to the Wingate Inn and recently announced Microtel) and golf courses. The planned executive course is expected to incorporate the Gawthrop House, which Genesis Partners wants to renovate into a “casual, upscale restaurant,” Hager said. He also talked about open green space and an extensive trail system that will connect all of Charles Pointe, as well as unique architecture and signage. The commission also discussed the impact of proposed tax increment financing, which essentially sets aside some tax dollars to pay off bonds used to fund initial infrastructure needs.