Developers Have New Proposal for Wenke's Motel Property

Wenke's Motel has been a Point Pleasant landmark for 60 years. Located on Route 88, the motel featured small cabins that provided travelers with a comfortable place to stay. In recent years, though, the motel became rundown and eventually closed. The property was sold to developers who wanted to turn the building into condominiums, an idea that was met with strong resistance from the community. Now, the new property owners have come up with a different plan that they believe will be a better fit for the area.

"Since our condominium idea was not very popular, we decided to go back to the drawing board," said developer's spokesperson Bette Weewin. "We understood that that traffic and congestion that would be caused by so many new residents would have a negative impact on the community. Contrary to what has been reported, we are not heartless. We want to be a positive influence to the area. That is why we are now proposing that a dance club should be built on the property."


The plan is to build a 5K square foot restaurant and dance club with a three story parking structure. "We're calling the club Winky's, as kind of a tribute to the original Wenke's name. Its proximity to the beach also means it has a great chance to be very successful. Most of the concerns about the condominiums had to do with traffic. Residents worried that it would be a nightmare when people left for school or work in the morning. But with a nightclub, there are no morning traffic problems. We believe it's a perfect solution!"

At least one Point Pleasant resident is happy about this new development. Dan Singfool said it's just what is needed in this area. "Who doesn't love a good nightclub? Ever since I went to my first disco in 1980, I've been hooked. I can't wait for this place to open so I can get down with all the beautiful people."

Not everyone in the area is a Dan Singfool, so it remains to be seen what will happen. A grassroots group is working on getting Wenke's to be declared a landmark property so it couldn't be changed. Group founder, Liv Inthepast, hopes the state will recognize the historical significance of Wenke's. She is not sure what that significance is, but thinks it's better than building a dance club. 

We will provide updates on the Wenke's situation as they develop.

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