People in Weirton are concerned about the potential for a well pad development off Three Springs Drive.
A group of Weirton residents, including Jean Czernek, have been raising concerns about this development for months, one that the city's zoning board voted down. Now, making its way through the courts
"This is still beyond comprehension, I cannot wrap my head around it,” Czernek said.
Czernek and a number of other Weirton residents sounded the alarm over a potential Southwestern Energy well pad development. Czernek recently moved back to the area after working in real estate for decades in New York City.
"I retired here and had no conception that I would have to do due diligence, that anyone would be absurd enough to even put out there that there would be 14 fracking well pads in the middle of our shopping area,” Czernek said.
She's concerned about different aspects of the development, including the impact it will have on homes.
"Speaking as an experienced real estate owner, all property values will be depleted,” Czernek said.
And how it may impact further development in a growing economic center, an already congested area.
"Trucks are bumper to bumper right now on Three Springs with no good way to get out,” Czernek said. “There will be an accident. Where are the emergency contingency plans?
"How do you evacuate all of the people? Imagine all of the shoppers, people buying food, retail, banks, hotels."
NEWS9 reached out to Weirton City Attorney Vince Gurrera for an update on where this case stands in the courts. We didn't hear back, but he previously told NEWS9, "The city of Weirton, through its council and mayor, are continuing to fight to protect the rights of the citizens of Weirton in this case."
Czernek is potentially looking to leave the area if the plans move forward.
"I resent having to move, but I do have the wherewithal where I can get out,” she said.
"People please wake up and make your voice heard."
Southwestern Energy issued the following statement on the matter. It reads:
“Protecting the health and safety of our workers, community and the environment are core Southwestern values that guide our ongoing and future operations. We welcome constructive input and feedback from local residents as this important economic development project moves forward, and we are committed to responsibly developing natural gas in the region, as well as being a good neighbor and steward of the environment.”