OAK HILL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The National Park Service held its second and final public meeting on the proposed plan to demolish 19 historic structures within New River Gorge National Park & Preserve with most being located in Thurmond.
The meeting took place on Tuesday evening at the New River Convention Center in Oak Hill.
The second meeting was a more formal setting than the previous meeting held in January at the Bank of Glen Jean. During this meeting, members of the public were given the opportunity to ask questions and provide statements.
During the meeting, park officials presented information on the Proposed Demolition of Historic Structures Environmental Assessment (EA).
The EA highlights 19 historic structures and one non-historic addition within the park that park officials want to demolish because, “most [of the structures] were not intended for reuse by the NPS and are now abandoned, dilapidated, and overgrown safety hazards that are vulnerable to trespassing and vandalism and are a burden to maintain.”
A list of the historic structures may be viewed below:
Within the EA, the NPS has highlighted three alternatives:
Alternative A: No Action
Under this alternative, the historic structures would remain in place, unoccupied, and continue to deteriorate.
Safety hazards from the dilapidated buildings would persist, and vegetation would grow unchecked around and through the structures.
Some structures, such as the Dun Glen Building/Ranger Station, would remain in minimal use for storage but would receive only limited maintenance.
Over time, the structures could collapse on their own, and fencing might be needed to secure the sites.
Alternative B: Demolish All Proposed Excess Historic Structures (NPS Preferred)
This option involves demolishing all 19 historic structures and one non-historic addition, removing overgrown vegetation, and using heavy equipment to complete the demolition.
Some historic elements, like foundations, may be left in place to minimize ground disturbance, and any hazardous materials like asbestos and lead-based paint would be handled according to NPS policies.
After demolition, the sites would be restored and replanted with native vegetation. To protect local wildlife, demolition would take place in winter, with revegetation in the spring.
Alternative C: Retain Proposed Excess Historic Structures with High Potential for Reuse
In this alternative, 16 of the 19 structures would be demolished, while three buildings in the Thurmond Historic District—considered to have high reuse potential—would be preserved.
These include the Dun Glen Ark, the Thurmond Ice House, and the Marilyn Brown House.
These structures represent significant elements of the area’s railroad and whitewater industries and could be repurposed for interpretation or visitor access.
The demolition and restoration process for the other structures would mirror the steps outlined in Alternative B.
Around 40 people attended Tuesday’s meeting with most questions pertaining to what could be done to save the structures instead of demolishing them.
The main topic of discussion among attendees was the potential leasing of structures within Thurmond.
Park Superintendent Charles Sellars said the park is open to leasing structures within Thurmond as long as the individual can show that they have the ability to repair and maintain those structures to standards given by the Department of the Interior.
Sellars says he has only been approached by one individual with regard to leasing but told the crowd if they knew of anyone that met the criteria to lease to “send them my way.”
Eve West, Chief of Interpretation for New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, says they will entertain the idea of leasing the structures, even the ones proposed for demolition as long as the individual or organization can prove that is something they can do.
“If somebody walked up to us tomorrow and said I want to lease one of the structures that are on the demolition list, and they could prove that’s something they can do, then we’re open to ideas and suggestions,” West said.
West says once the comment period closes, officials will then evaluate the comments made and then make their final decision which should come within a month.
Individuals or organizations interested in leasing structures within the park may contact New River Gorge National Park & Preserve Headquarters at (304)-465-0508.
Delegate Elliott Pritt who represents Thurmond in the West Virginia House of Delegates says he opposes the proposed demolition plan.
“I am incredibly sad, and quite frankly angry, to learn that despite public outcry, the National Park Service has decided to follow through with their plan to demolish over half of the structures in the town of Thurmond. As the Delegate who represents the town of Thurmond in the WV Legislature and as a teacher of 8th grade WV History students here in Fayette County, I have to speak out,” Pritt said.
Pritt calls it “shameful” that the NPS has been the one to push the proposed demolition.
“Our history is vitally important to us locals, and it is incredibly shameful that an entity that is supposedly tasked with preserving our local history and natural beauty is the one behind the push to tear down these historic structures. The Legislature, historical preservation societies, local town governments, business owners, private investors, and scores of influential local citizens have all voiced their very strong opposition to the NPS plan to demolish most of Thurmond,” Pritt explained.
Pritt believes that the pleas to save the buildings have fallen on deaf ears.
“The National Park Service has checked off all the required boxes during this entire process but hasn’t actually acknowledged or listened to a single thing any of the consulting parties have said. I believe the decision to demolish was already made long before this process was started. The National Park Service just went through the motions because they are legally required to do so with zero intention of actually listening to input from the local stakeholders or considering alternatives.”
The EA is open for public comment until Friday, November 8, and comments can be made online on the park’s website.
