Recent news that the Anchor Hocking plant is being demolished to free up at least 20
acres for lease is welcome, considering the fact that no interest has been shown in the property in its current state for the past several years.
According to Anchor Hocking property owner Dewey Wilfong, the plant buildings will be completely razed by fall, but the plant's silos will be spared because they
add value to the land.
Wilfong said he has been approached by state officials
interested in the property for a site for a state complex or block of offices. It's not clear yet what state officials or agencies approached Wilfong, but it's in the best interest of the city to make sure a deal happens.
An idle plant is of no economic benefit to the community and
as the structure ages, it will become an eyesore and a good example of blight.
The state Department of Health and Human Resources announced
that it is looking to move from its West Pike Street location into a new complex at an undetermined site in Harrison County. Is the Anchor Hocking land the parcel the DHHR is eyeing for its new
offices? Only time will tell, but the location is a good one for any state agency.
Wilfong said the area is "secluded, very private and would
have plenty of parking."
We hope Wilfong is successful in wooing a state agency or
business to locate at the Anchor Hocking site, and consider it representative of transforming Clarksburg from its
industrial past into the post-industrial age.
Patrick Martin