ST. ALBANS, WV – The City of St. Albans Building Department is thrilled to share a series of possible ideas for vacant property revitalization across the city, a key initiative made possible through the city’s recently awarded EPA Region 3 Brownfields Grant. The grant also assists in the remediation of these properties by providing conceptual renderings of their potential future uses, breathing new life into overlooked areas.
Building on the momentum from the vacant property revitalization ideas proposed for the former St. Albans Junior High School property, these newly presented concepts offer a range of possibilities for site use.
While not final proposals, they explore recreational and residential options designed to enrich community life and cater to the diverse needs of St. Albans residents. Developed for key locations, such as the corner of Washington Street & Washington Avenue and the intersection of Washington Ave & Walnut Street, the concepts include:
Recreational Ideas:
- A skate park and splash pad at Washington Street & Washington Avenue offering dynamic spaces for youth and families.
- At the same location, a pickleball court in response to the sport’s increasing popularity.
- An additional splash pad at Washington Ave & Walnut Street ensuring more residents have access to this popular amenity.
- A miniature golf course at Washington Ave & Walnut Street, providing a fun, leisure activity for all ages.
Residential Development Ideas:
- Proposals for single-family housing on a single lot at both Washington Street & Washington Avenue and Washington Ave & Walnut Street, aiming to address the city’s growing housing needs.
It’s important to emphasize that these renderings represent initial ideas and possibilities for discussion. They are not final plans but starting points, inviting community engagement and feedback. The St. Albans City Council, along with a newly formed committee of citizens and council members, is dedicated to ensuring that the public plays a pivotal role in deciding the future of these properties. This collaborative approach aims to prevent these sites from remaining vacant and underutilized, instead transforming them into vibrant, beneficial spaces for the community.
In light of the vacant property revitalization initiative, the City of St. Albans strongly encourages its citizens to play an active role in the decision-making process. City Council meetings are open to the public and held on the first and third Monday of every month at 51 6th Avenue, located above the St. Albans Fire Department. Each meeting concludes with a public forum segment, granting citizens 5 minutes each to present their concerns and suggestions.
To foster transparency and accessibility, meeting agendas and minutes are readily accessible on the city’s website. Additionally, for those unable to attend in person, videos of the meetings are periodically posted on the city’s official Facebook and YouTube channels, ensuring community members can stay informed and engaged from anywhere.
More Info on Vacant Property Revitalization
The revitalization of dilapidated and vacant properties initiative marks a significant step forward in the city’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development and community well-being. The City of St. Albans looks forward to engaging with the community on these exciting possibilities and encourages public input to guide the transformation of these reclaimed properties.
For more information on the proposed ideas or to share your feedback, please contact the St. Albans Building & Zoning Department during business hours at (304) 727-2962.
