![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Former Wheeling-Pitt Lands Get Retail and Rec Facelift in Follansbee, WV
The Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission of West Virginia used a $200,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant in 2003 to survey their three-county area for potential redevelopment sites. The commission was looking to zero in on properties that were the best candidates.
North entrance road to Follansbee
The City of Follansbee, with several acres of former Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel property, got the thumbs up, chosen from 31 potential brownfield sites.
The Follansbee redevelopment represents the first private sector partnership related to the EPA's brownfields assessment program. In addition to the EPA assessment funding, the redevelopment project also received a West Virginia Governor's Partnership grant of $40,000 and a Community Development Block grant of $10,000.
Wheeling-Pitt had owned three parcels of former industrial property in the City of Follansbee. So far, a 1.8-acre portion of one parcel has been redeveloped to host a Rite-Aid drug store. Orion Development bought the site from the city for $720,000 to develop the Rite-Aid, which opened in February 2007.The 14,000-square-foot store employs 16 full-time and part-time workers.
Rite-Aid Pharmacy
opened in February 2007
Including the Rite-Aid property, Follansbee has just over 40 acres of former Wheeling-Pitt land that has been slated for renewal. Adjacent to the Rite-Aid, the city is looking to redevelop nine additional acres of property for commercial and retail space. Another 5.85-acre parcel, which now has public baseball fields, will also get a facelift.
Finally, a third 24-acre piece will be transformed into the city's first recreational complex. The Pittsburgh firm of Cummings-Ritter is now developing a site plan, in collaboration with Pennoni Associates, who will gather site-specific data and consider community input. The mayor has also appointed a steering committee, and public forums are being held this summer so local residents will have a hand in the planning process.
Article contributed by
Ruth Wuenschel
EPA Land Revitalization Update