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Kern Valley Railroad Maintenance Facility

Explore the transformation of the Kern Valley Railroad property to a vibrant community space fostering wellness and preserving history. Follow the project's history, proposed use ideas, partnerships, and future plans to create a thriving recreational hub. Get involved and support the restoration efforts to enhance the community's landscape.

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Kern Valley Railroad Maintenance Facility

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  1. Kern Valley Railroad Maintenance Facility 2012 WV Brownfields Conference Amanda Pitzer, Executive Director Friends of the Cheat, Kingwood, WV Working to restore, preserve, & promote the out-standing natural qualities of the Cheat River watershed since 1997

  2. Existing Conditions

  3. 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

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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Lynn Stasick and Dr. Emory Kemp visit the tower

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

  9. The Magic Wall!

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. Re-Use Idea Brainstorm Recap Market • Open air market • Arts venue • Farmers market

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. Composite Analysis & Land Use

  16. Master Plan & Site Layout

  17. Design Ideas

  18. Design Ideas

  19. Design Ideas

  20. Breaking News! August 30, 2012 Mr. 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

  21. 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…

  22. …and then • FOC conveys properties to PCEDA • PCEDA submits US EPA Brownfields cleanup grant

  23. 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

  24. 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.

  25. Thanks to all who participated in the visioning process, especially: WV Brownfields Assistance Center Preston Rail-Trail Committee PcPARC Triad Engineering PCEDA Preston Community Arts Center WVU Extension Service, Kingwood Office FOC Staff & Mary Luckini

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