21 structures are considered historic and are either listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places
West Virginia Press Associaton
GLEN JEAN, W.Va. – The National Park Service (NPS) invites interested members of the public to attend a public meeting related to the proposed demolition of deteriorating and excess structures in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (the park). The proposal is part of a larger project within the park funded by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund to rehabilitate historic structures, invest in park infrastructure, address deferred maintenance needs, and reduce unnecessary operational costs and maintenance burdens.
The meeting will take place on Thurs., Jan. 11, 2024, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Bank of Glen Jean at 23 County Route 25/9 in Mt Hope. At the meeting, the NPS will provide information regarding its proposal to demolish 35 deteriorating and excess structures, 21 of which are considered historic and are either listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places.
For those unable to attend the public meeting, the public materials and additional information will also be available until Jan. 15 on the NPS planning website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GAOAExcessStructureDemo. The NPS proposal includes removing the hazardous structures, disposing of all associated building debris properly, and restoring the sites to a condition consistent with their natural surroundings. Impacts related to removal of these structures from the park will be assessed through the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act compliance processes.
Many of the buildings and structures came into the possession of the NPS through land acquisition within established park boundaries. Most 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. Removing the unnecessary structures would address deferred maintenance needs and eliminate excess yearly maintenance and law enforcement costs, allowing staff to focus attention and financial resources on maintaining other facilities and resources that park visitors can enjoy.
The structures considered for removal through this project are:
- Charles Ashley Garage
- Charles Ashley Outbuilding
- May Bagoski House
- Harold Smith House
- Wedzel Young House
- Tom Kelly House
- Thurmond Ice House
- McGuffin Garage
- Erskine Pugh Rental House
- Philip A McClung/Meadows House
- Sidney Allen Ward House
- Thurmond Package Plant
- James Humphrey Sr. House
- Marilyn Brown House
- Dun Glen Building
- Dun Glen Ark
- Dun Glen Mini Ark
- Dun Glen Boat Storage Rack
- James K Carper Barn
- Harrah Coal House
- Harrah Outbuilding #2 Remains
- Harrah Outbuilding #1
- Harrah Hen House
- Harrah Smokehouse
- Harrah House Remains
- Harrah Outhouse
- Prince Brothers’ General Store
- Brookside Pool Chemical Treatment Building
- Cochrane Farm Outbuilding #1
- Cochrane Farm Outbuilding #2
- James Phillips Storage Building #2
- James Phillips Farm Shed
- James Phillips Outbuilding #1
- James Phillips House
- Vallandingham House Addition
The NPS plans to complete its environmental and cultural review process for this project in mid-2024 with the goal of implementing the demolitions as early as fall 2024.
The Great American Outdoors Act is part of a concerted effort to address the extensive maintenance backlog in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, the fund provides the NPS with up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors.
