Harpers Ferry News and Events

On Tuesday, 4 February 2020, Mayor Bishop spoke before the West Virginia Senate Government Organization Committee concerning Senate Bill 657, which would give the State authority to take over the approval process for major tourism-based developments, such as the proposed Hill Top Hotel. While in Charleston, the Mayor also spoke with members of the Legislature individually about SB 657 and its companion bill in the House of Delegates, HB 4641. Mayor Bishop's testimony is available for view on the West Virginia Senate's website, beginning at approximately 2:29:35 in the video. (A transcript of the testimony can be accessed here.)

At approximately 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, 21 December 2019, a CSX freight train derailed at Harpers Ferry. Some freight cars plunged into the Potomac River, destroying the pedestrian bridge from West Virginia to Maryland. Mayor Bishop subsequently issued a letter to CSX concerning questions raised surrounding safety issues and the rebuilding of the pedestrian bridge. The full text of the letter can be read here.

Residential parking permit enforcement is in effect. Permit decals for calendar year 2020 must be displayed at the top corner of the driver's side of the vehicle's windshield. Permits must be purchased at the Harpers Ferry Police Department. For more information regarding parking permits, visit the Police page on this website.

On 24 August 2019, the Town Council of the Corporation of Harpers Ferry heard testimony and received evidence in the trial of Case v. Johnson, No. 2019-HFTC-01, contesting a previous decision to reject four provisional ballots in the 2019 Harpers Ferry municipal elections. On 11 September, the Town Council issued its majority opinion and order, rejecting the four provisional ballots. A dissenting opinion was also issued. The case was appealed and is currently before the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. A special page has been established to detail the events of this case, including updated court filings and decisions. Click here to access these updates.

SWaN Investors submitted several requested economic and fiscal impact documents to the Town Council as part of the negotiations between the two parties on use of public streets and rights-of-way. The following documents have been posted here for public review:

• An "estimated fiscal impact of the Hill Top House Hotel specific to Harpers Ferry"
• A report on the state and local impacts of the Hill Top House Hotel project
• Agreements and options for use of public streets and rights-of-way
• An email was also published with further information of interest.

On 7 June 2019, the firm TischlerBise released a "Review of Hill Top House Hotel, Fiscal Impact and Valuation Assessment Data" (click on the link to access). This document, commissioned by Town Council, reviews the estimated fiscal impact study referenced above.

Hard copies of all these documents may be reviewed at Harpers Ferry Town Hall upon request. Additionally, a professional appraisal report is available for review at Town Hall.

During a special meeting on Wednesday, 22 August 2018, the Town Council heard from a number of residents of Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County, and surrounding areas concerning the proposed Rockwool production facility in Jefferson County. Following action by Council, an official statement was released and sent to stakeholders, including Roxul USA, the Jefferson County Commission, the City of Ranson, the City of Charles Town, the Corporation of Bolivar, the Corporation of Shepherdstown, the Jefferson County Board of Education, and the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA). In addition, Council directed the Corporation of Harpers Ferry's official representative on the JCDA Board to vote in opposition to any proposed bonds that would support infrastructure to the proposed facility site.

The official statement from the Corporation of Harpers Ferry can be read in its entirety here. A summary statement has also been released, which can be read here.

The Corporation of Harpers Ferry is actively seeking volunteers to serve on the following boards of the Town government:

• Board of Zoning Appeals (one alternate vacancy)
• Planning Commission (three vacancies)
• Tree Committee (two vacancies)
• Water Commission (two vacancies)

Those individuals interested in seeking appointment to any of these committees should send a letter of interest to Recorder Kevin Carden (recorder@harpersferrywv.us).

After conducting a public hearing on 22 February 2018, the Town Council approved the second and final reading of Ordinance 2017-09, which increases water rates in two steps. The first step of an increase of 5% on water service rates only (not sewer service) went into effect at the 1 June 2018 billing.

The second step, a 29% increase on water service rates, will take effect 60 days prior to the closing on the USDA loan for the water system infrastructure project, expected to occur in the spring of 2019.

Ordinance 2017-09 can be read in its entirety here.

Harpers Ferry has instituted three paid parking zones to improve safety and better regulate the very limited parking within the Corporation. Two of the zones, 7510 and 7520, are on Washington Street (Alt. U.S. 340). The third is on Potomac Street in Lower Town. The cost for parking is $1.00 per hour in Zone 7510, $2.00 per hour in Zone 7520, and $3.00 per hour in Zone 7515. Parking may be purchased in half-hour segments. Payment may be made using the Parkmobile cell phone app. To use Parkmobile, open the app, enter zone number, select amount of time desired, and pay by major credit card or PayPal. Visitors may find it easier to download the app to their cell phones before visiting Harpers Ferry to simplify their parking experience at the following link: http://us.parkmobile.com/mobile-apps.

Paid parking is strictly enforced in all three zones between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sunday through Saturday. Violators may be fined and /or towed. Parking is free in all paid parking zones after 6:00 p.m. and before 8:00 a.m. Sunday through Saturday.

All sides streets within the Corporation of Harpers Ferry are parking by residential permit only. Violators may be fined and / or towed. Permits for residents and their guests may be purchased at Town Hall.

Each customer serviced by the Harpers Ferry Water Works should take reasonable precautions to prevent their water pipes from freezing. Frozen lines from the water main through the meter box are the responsibility of the Water Works, while frozen lines from the meter box to the home are the responsibility of the customer. If the pipe freezes, call the Water Department emergency number at 304-676-4659 for assistance.

The full Frozen Pipe Policy can be read here.

Harpers Ferry Water Works customers can pay online.  To learn more, click here.

The Corporation maintains a list of operators and companies licensed to perform business in Harpers Ferry. These businesses have volunteered to appear on this public list. To review the list, click here.