Next Steps for Elkins Redevelopment
A report from a national organization that assists cities in planning for effective economic development says that Elkins is on the right track and offers suggestions for maximizing the city’s already strong potential. Council is already taking steps that may help fund these and other projects.
Smart Growth America (SGA) visited Elkins in October to gather data, hold stakeholder workshops, and collect community input. In addition to city officials, SGA staff met with downtown business leaders, community service organizations, youth service organizations, and community and economic development organizations.
The SGA report (available for download here) finds that “there is strong community support for the redevelopment and adaptive reuse of downtown Elkins.” SGA staff reported hearing that “residents want to see a vibrant, lively downtown that hosts a variety of businesses and people.” The team’s “overarching recommendation” is for Elkins to “develop and implement a strategy to leverage the most important unique asset that Elkins possesses: its historic railyard.” According to SGA, any plans for further development of the railyard “should focus on mixed-use, walkable real estate.”
The report offered other short-term, medium-term, and long-term recommendations. Although many of these projects would be costly, the Elkins council recently began the process of applying to establish a Tax Increment Financing district in the city’s downtown. Such a move would provide a means of funding many development projects in Elkins without raising taxes or cutting spending on other services and projects. (A hearing will be held concerning TIF at 7 p.m. on January 5.)
Short-term recommendations include:
- Improve the downtown streetscape (City of Elkins recently contracted with GAI Consultants to prepare a formal downtown streetscape plan)
- Improve wayfinding and signage leading into Elkins (in 2023, the city will be installing attractive new signs at the city’s main ingress routes; improved signage will be included in the above streetscape plan and is also contemplated in the recently completed Elkins Riverfront Plan, also created by GAI Consultants)
Medium-term recommendations include:
- Conduct a downtown parking demand study (from the report: “There are 1,400 off-street parking spots downtown, and yet many people believe there isn’t enough parking.”)
- Engage the community continually and exclusively (the city recently deployed an online agenda center to raise public awareness of council and committee meetings and is actively exploring other software options to make it easier for citizens to interact with the city government)
- Facilitate Augusta Heritage takeover of Wilt Building (the city is currently working with Augusta Heritage and Woodlands Development & Lending to see how this project can be made possible)
Long-term recommendations include:
- Redesign of U.S. Highway 250/Seneca Trail
- Riverfront study area development (again, see the recently completed Elkins Riverfront Plan)
- Encourage additional residential development (the Randolph County Housing Authority and Woodlands Development & Lending recently completed a study of local housing needs in conjunction with WVU and Virginia Tech)
The SGA report, which contains additional information and recommendations, may be downloaded here: https://cityofelkinswv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Next-Steps-Memo-for-Elkins-with-SGA-recommendations.pdf
For information about current projects and initiatives in Elkins: https://cityofelkinswv.com/government/current-projects-initiatives.
For information about Tax Increment Financing in Elkins: https://cityofelkinswv.com/retaining-local-property-taxes-for-local-projects.
2024 Extra Mile Heroes Awarded
Mayor Jerry Marco has awarded three exemplary recipients in his locality with the “Extra Mile Hero Award.” Mayors from across the country award the Extra Mile Hero Award to three groups or individuals who have excelled in growing, supporting, or leading their […]
Read MoreNow Accepting Nominations for Extra Mile Heroes 2024
Elkins W. Va., October 8, 2024: November 1 is Extra Mile Day, and Mayor Jerry Marco wants to hear nominations from the public. According to Extra Mile America, the organization coordinating this program, Extra Mile Day aims to promote the idea that […]
Read MoreCity Hall Closed Due to Sewage Backup
Elkins W. Va., October 3, 2024: City Hall remains closed to the public until further notice. All City Hall departments will be working remotely and available by phone or email, although responses may be delayed. The Treasury Department and Utility Billing have […]
Read MoreElkins Mayor Jerry Marco Elected Secretary of the West Virginia Municipal League Board of Directors
Elkins W. Va., August 30, 2024: Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco was elected Secretary of the West Virginia Municipal League (WVML) Board of Directors at the league’s annual meeting this month in Huntington. Marco is the first Elkins mayor to serve as a […]
Read MoreCity Council Adopts New Strategic Plan for 2024-2029
Elkins W. Va., August 20, 2024: The Elkins Common Council has officially adopted its 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, a comprehensive roadmap that sets the city’s priorities for the next five years. This plan is designed to enhance the quality of life for residents, […]
Read MoreElkins Police Sergeant B.D. Tice Promoted to Lieutenant
Elkins W. Va., August 16, 2024: The City of Elkins is proud to announce that Sergeant Brandon Tice has been promoted to Lieutenant with the Elkins Police Department. The promotion took place at the recent city council meeting on Thursday, August 15. […]
Read More