Kern Valley Railroad Maintenance Facility

2012 WV Brownfields ConferenceAmanda Pitzer, Executive DirectorFriends of the Cheat, Kingwood, WV

Working to restore, preserve, & promote the out-standing natural qualities of the Cheat River watershed since 1997

Existing Conditions

History of Site

• First occupied by West Virginia Northern Railroad through the late 1900s—water tower c. 1900

• Became Kingwood Northern Tourist Train• Purchased by Kern Valley Railroad in 2000—tracks and

ties removed in 2002• Corridor and “shops” property virtually abandoned—

Preston Rail-Trail Committee (PRTC/FOC) interest• PRTC/FOC negotiates property donation from Kern

Valley Railroad as part of rail-trail corridor sale, appraised at $20K in 2008

Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad/West Virginia Northern Railroad: building stone, timber, lumber, glass sand, and coal

West Virginia Northern/Kingwood Northern Tourist Train—final run, September 16, 2002

Friends of the Cheat Interest—preserve local history, enrich community identity, and promote outdoor recreation for improved health and wellness and increased environmental stewardship

History of Site/Project

• Preston County Economic Development Authority funds Phase I and II Environmental Assessments

• Preston County Parks and Recreation Commission (PcPARC) is formed by the Preston County Commission

• Nearby residents voice safety concerns to City Council, suggest condemnation

• FOC receives $5K in FOCUS funding and successfully nominates tower to Preservation Alliance WV’s Endangered Properties list for 2012

• Dr. Emory Kemp visits tower and deems it restorable

Lynn Stasick and Dr. Emory Kemp visit the tower

FOCUS Visioning MeetingsPurpose: To facilitate the development of a re-use vision for the properties based on community need and built through stakeholder input

The Magic Wall!

Re-Use Idea Brainstorm Recap

Public Greenspace/Public Health Focus• Community Garden

– Flowers, edible landscaping, raised beds• Dog Park• Rail-Trail Trailhead

– Connection to Tunnelton, WV– Parking, bike racks, restrooms– Outdoor fitness area

• Security, maintenance– Security lights

Re-Use Idea Brainstorm Recap

Public Greenspace/Public Health Focus• Playground

– Kids park– Heritage playground / “Industrial playground”– Skate Park

• Garbage/recycling bins• Pavilion

– Rent to generate revenue• Seating/picnic area

Re-Use Idea Brainstorm Recap

Market• Open air market• Arts venue• Farmers market

Re-Use Idea Brainstorm Recap

Community Center• Visitors Center/Nature Center

– Youth involvement - connections to schools and other groups

– Weekly nature walks– Passive informational opportunities

• Trail maps, brochures, podcasts• FOC mission and information• Weatherproof interpretive panels

Re-Use Idea Brainstorm Recap

Cultural Center• Events• Live music (indoor and outdoor)• Trail events

– Races like 5ks, horseback rides during BWFest, etc.• Preserve history!

– Tower– Train and rail industry

• Other Partnerships with Community Groups

Composite Analysis & Land Use

Master Plan & Site Layout

Design Ideas

Design Ideas

Design Ideas

Breaking News!August 30, 2012Mr. Stanley Hostler donates ~2.5 acres of adjacent property and the historic water tower to Friends of the Cheat!

FOC’s new OSM/VISTA, Aubrey Harris, and Katie

Coulter, stand near the tower

What Next?

• Apply remaining FOCUS I funds to property appraisal (both Hostler & KVRR properties)

• Determine tower stabilization/restoration plan with Preservation Alliance WV and Dr. Kemp

• Persuade KVRR to donate “shops” property now—prior to corridor sale (grant pending)

• Complete Phase II assessment of Hostler properties

• Execute MOU with PcPARC and PCEDA…

…and then

• FOC conveys properties to PCEDA• PCEDA submits US EPA Brownfields cleanup

grant

FOCUS II+ PlanTo further the realization of the community re-use plan

• Fund costs related to tower work• Complete professional survey of properties and legal

services necessary for plat consolidation• Contract engineering services to develop plans for

remediation of drainage issues• Develop promotional materials including interpretive

panel to be installed on site• Support Friends of the Cheat’s contribution to

project implementation—develop a phased approach

Questions, Comments, Feedback?

Painting by Kingwood native, Marcy Miller Matherne. Use, including reproduction, donated by Mrs. Matherne to raise funds in support of the project.

Thanks to all who participated in the visioning process, especially:

WV Brownfields Assistance CenterPreston Rail-Trail CommitteePcPARCTriad EngineeringPCEDAPreston Community Arts CenterWVU Extension Service, Kingwood OfficeFOC Staff & Mary Luckini