A proposal to develop a new RV park in Mount Hope, West Virginia, drew significant public opposition during the regular Mount Hope City Council meeting on Tuesday evening, as residents, business owners, and property owners voiced concerns about the project’s potential impact on the surrounding community.
The proposed RV park would be located in the Bailey’s Bottom area and would utilize city-owned land as well as parcels acquired through flood buyout programs. Because the properties are located within a floodplain, permanent structures are restricted under federal regulations.
City officials have promoted the project as an economic development initiative that would capitalize on growing tourism activity associated with the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Mayor Mike Kessinger told attendees that the project represents one of the limited economic development opportunities available for the area. The proposal has been under development for several years and has already secured federal funding.
According to LootPress, the development would include 40 RV campsites, nine campsites designed for tents or small pull-behind campers, nine primitive campsites accessible by trail, a bathhouse, playground, picnic shelter, fire rings, trailhead parking, and a trail network connecting visitors to recreational amenities along Dunloup Creek.
Much of the public comment focused on the project’s location near homes, churches, and existing businesses. Among those addressing council was Tyler Kirk, a local resident, business owner, and CEO of Lifeline Ambulance, whose company is located adjacent to the proposed site.
“There are multiple concerns being raised by the people who live, work, worship, and own property in this community. These concerns include the potential impact of property values, increase noise and traffic, privacy concerns, public safety considerations, infrastructural limitations, road maintenance issues, and the overall character of established residential neighborhood,” Kirk stated to the council.
Kirk also presented a petition opposing the project.
“A petition has gained more more than 100 signatures in opposition of this project at this time, most of which are coming from residents and churchgoers directly affected by this project in the area of which it will be constructed.”
Several other residents echoed similar concerns, citing the potential for increased traffic, noise, and criminal activity. Speakers also questioned whether local infrastructure could adequately support the proposed development.
In response, Kessinger said the city is pursuing grant funding to hire additional police officers and indicated officials would work to minimize any disruptions associated with RV park visitors.
During the meeting, Councilwoman Patricia Conelly introduced a motion to table the project. The motion did not advance. Kessinger stated that the proposal was already far along in the development process and noted that no vote on the project had been scheduled because the matter was not included on the meeting agenda.
Following the meeting, city officials reiterated their support for the development as part of a broader tourism and economic development strategy. The initiative also includes plans for an outdoor amphitheater at the Historic Lonnie Warwick Mt. Hope Municipal Stadium and stream restoration efforts along Dunloup Creek.
“The City of Mt Hope is advancing a bold vision for the future of Mount Hope through the development of a destination RV park, Outdoor amphitheater in the Historic Lonnie Warwick Mt Hope Municipal Stadium, and Dun Loop Creek Stream restoration to create Trout habitat all designed to attract visitors, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for economic growth throughout the community,” a statement from the mayor’s office said.
The city also emphasized the project’s connection to regional tourism growth and its potential to generate additional business activity and municipal revenue.
“Any major project often generates discussion and differing viewpoints,” the statement said. “We respect that residents have questions and concerns, and we welcome those conversations. However, we must also look toward the future. These projects represent an investment in economic development, tourism, and quality of life.”
For campground, RV park, and outdoor hospitality professionals, the debate highlights a recurring challenge facing tourism-related developments: balancing economic development goals with community concerns.
Industry operators pursuing new projects may find that early engagement with nearby residents, transparent communication about operations, and detailed planning around traffic, security, and infrastructure can play an important role in building community support as projects move through the approval and development process.