Wheeling Council OKs new convenience store with gambling parlor on Wheeling Island

WHEELING, W.Va. — Wheeling City Council approved a new Wheeling Island business at its meeting Tuesday.

It will be located at 141 Zane St., site of the former WesBanco branch.

The vote was unanimous for business owner Larry Lewis to add a neighborhood convenience store on the island.

A hearing took place before the ordinance was passed and some residents spoke against the building as it will also have a gambling parlor in the back.

“If you really want to help our area out, I don’t know why the convenience store couldn’t have been standing alone,” one resident said.

“The island is not a dumping ground for all things gambling,” another resident remarked. “Just because we have the casino there. Please take into consideration the families it will affect when making these decisions about a neighborhood that you don’t live.”

There are currently more than a dozen gambling parlors on the island.

The new Bogey’s Carryout would include some machines in the back of the store, but they are expected to be used to help offset the cost of the drive-thru.

The current building will not be torn down but expanded.

Councilman Ben Seidler, who represents the Island, voiced that although there is some gambling, the need for a convenience store on the island is much stronger. He said most island residents walk to get their groceries, and this could shorten their distance.

“Between the Convenient store closing down and the closure of the Aetnaville Bridge, having this type of convenience carry-out store is going to be really great,” Seidler said. “There will be a deli there, all the staples – bread, milk, eggs – things like that. So, it’s going to be a big win for Wheeling Island.”

Lewis is a businessman from Valley Grove and the owner of several Bogey’s Carryouts, including one on Bethany Pike and Washington Avenue.

In a statement, Lewis said: “My intent is to provide residents with a neighborhood convenience store focused around fresh deli. Much like my customer stores, we will be customer and community focused.”

Seidler also believes there are too many poker parlors on the Island and he does not want to see anymore come. However, he said the convenience store aspect makes this one different.

“This one is a legitimate business,” Seidler said. “It’s got a convenience store in the front, which is about 2,000 square feet of all the staples you would need on the island.

“Anybody that wants to open a legitimate business on the island, we are excited about that. We are open for business; it’s not the same Island that it’s always been.”

This development is in the early stages.

IN OTHER MATTERS, council approved an annual ordinance for its 2024 Food for Fines program. The initiative allows residents to donate non-perishable food, cleaning supplies or personal hygiene items in place of having to pay $10 fines for overtime parking violations.

Donations will be distributed to local non-profit organizations around Wheeling to benefit those in need during the holiday season. They must be taken to the city’s finance department at the City-County Building.

“I think it’s always important,” Seidler said. It’s the season of giving, so anything we can do to help those that are less fortunate than us we are happy to be a part of.”

The program applies to citations issued between now and Jan. 1.