Proposal to reestablish West Alexander Borough takes step forward
A group called West Alexander Borough Project, which is working to reclaim independence from Donegal Township in Washington County, has filed a petition for incorporation in Washington County Court of Common Pleas.
The petition seeks approval to establish an independent committee to review the group’s request, and to obtain authorization for a referendum vote of the residents in the proposed borough, with the goal of a Washington County judge granting approval of the incorporation of West Alexander Borough.
“We’re really pleased with how things are going,” said Dr. Kathleen Miller, a lifelong resident of West Alexander who leads the West Alexander Borough Project.
In 2009, West Alexander Borough, an historic village on Old National Pike, merged with Donegal Township, in part because of financial woes, abolishing the borough and the positions of all its officials.
At the time of the merger, West Alexander consisted only of Main Street – lined with 19th-century homes – and a few connecting streets, and was saddled with high taxes and low population. A 1990 fire destroyed several businesses and closed others on Main Street. The fire, combined with a $3.2 million debt for a sewage treatment plant, forced residents to consider and ultimately approve the merger.
But in 2021, Miller spearheaded an initiative to look into breaking away from the township and reestablishing the former borough.
Residents believed that the former West Alexander Borough, which lies in the westernmost end of Washington County and is less than a mile from the West Virginia border, and its approximately 800 residents, could sustain itself if it separated from Donegal Township.
A petition garnered 70% support from landowners in the proposed borough, exceeding the legal requirement of 50%.
The independent committee would be composed of two residents from the proposed borough, two residents from Donegal Township, and one Washington County resident, who would make a recommendation to the judge.
Miller believes returning to borough status would provide opportunities to revitalize the historic town of West Alexander and would be a win-win for both the proposed borough and the township.
Miller said the committee, if approved, has 60 days to review the proposal and make a recommendation to the court.
If the proposal is approved, the landowners who live in the proposed borough would have an opportunity to vote on it at a special election.
“Right now, we are on the timeline we’ve expected,” said Miller. “It’s all part of the process. Let’s have a judge determine if it’s good for both entities, which we believe it is. And if he determines it is, then he will allow a vote. And then, we go from there.”