FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Wednesday evening, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Patrick Wilson granted the City of Fairmont right-of-entry to the former Box Factory property. The full eminent domain process is still underway to grant the City full, official ownership.

Following this order, City Staff are moving forward to conduct environmental assessments of the property while demolition plans are finalized.

“The City is now doing all the necessary work to prepare for the demolition of the building. We can’t move forward with building any recreation facilities on that site until that building is down,” Director of Planning Shae Strait said. “While that planning is taking place, we will be organizing public input sessions to plan for, not only the Rail Trail, but also plan for future recreational development in the adjacent properties.”

The initial court hearing took place last week, but this official order was delivered Wednesday just before close-of-business. Fairmont City Council voted to proceed with the eminent domain process last November. The property is a key component in the City’s plans for the West Fork Rail Trail Extension and the former factory facility will be demolished.

The City has already moved forward with several purchases of surrounding parcels and properties in the Beltline Neighborhood. As the concepts and plans show, this property will act as the trail head for this new span of trail.

“These Rail Trail plans have been talked about for years and these recreation opportunities that could happen in the Beltline Neighborhood are significant,” City Manager Travis Blosser said. “This acquisition is paramount to enhancing the aesthetics of the trail and amenities we can offer to the public that will take advantage of these spaces once completed.”