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Beverly Residents React to Power Plant’s Closing
By: WOUB Contributing Writer
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It's moving close to 100 jobs out of the area.
"It's going to affect us, there is no doubt in my mind it is going to affect us a lot," said Diann Rock, owner of The Rock Box in Beverly.
"It's going to force people into early retirement or force people to go to other plants," said local resident Aaron Nesselroad.
AEP's announcement that they are closing the Muskingum River Plant Unit 5 in 2015 has people in Beverly a little worried about what the future might bring.
Diann Rock, owner of the local sports apparel business, The Rock Box in Beverly, says they thrive when people have extra money to spend and that's what concerns her.
"No one really knows, you know? This is kind of, if you have extra money you come in and you spend it on your favorite team, and I don't know, I don't know, I guess we are just going to have to wait and see what happens," said Rock.
The loss of the plant affects the taxes, schools and a huge hit to the local economy.
"I think within the course of a week we see 50 to 100 people that are somewhat involved with the plant, at this restaurant and at the one in McConnelsville," said Steve Roberts, owner of the Chatterbox II.
Beverly Mayor Rex Kenyon says he is going to do everything he can to adjust to the change in circumstances.
"Well it is going to be a difficult time. As we get through this, I would like to have all the input that I can get from the community and what their thoughts are and what their desires are and so we can work together to make this a less painful transition," said Kenyon.
This article was contributed by WTAP Television in Parkersburg