FAIRMONT, W.Va. — In a recent out-of-court mediation session, the City of Fairmont and property owner Kirk Naternicola agreed to settle the eminent domain process regarding the former Fairmont Box Factory with an agreed-to total value of $500,000.
After assessing the potential costs of prolonging the court proceedings and the delays in progress that would result, the City’s administration decided that the terms of this settlement were the best way to keep the momentum of projects at that site.
“We want to thank Mr. Naternicola for working with us to conclude this process. After crunching the numbers related to the cost of continuing this court process and the time it would take to resolve within the court system, we decided this settlement was the best path forward for the good of all parties involved,” City Manager Travis Blosser said. “This year is the start of the progress Fairmont has been waiting for. We at the City are making that progress happen, even if it's difficult. We’re committed to the vision for Fairmont the community has been asking for.”
That vision is outlined in the five-year strategic plan, which Council recently adopted. The former Box Factory property will be a major piece of that plan, as it will serve to connect the Rail Trail through Fairmont and, in turn, connect the city to the multi-million dollar regional trail system economy and the multi-billion dollar outdoor tourism economy we enjoy in West Virginia.
The City has already paid $155,000 to the court to begin the eminent domain process. To meet the terms of this settlement, the city will now pay an additional $345,000. This added cost will be paid by the City’s Tax Increment Finance District. While this added cost is new, it was not unexpected.
Once the City is granted the property’s indefeasible title as laid out in the settlement, work can begin immediately to prepare to demolish the former Box Factory structure.
“We have some amazing things in store for this property once that structure is removed,” Planning & Development Director Shae Strait said. “The redevelopment of this property will serve as a catalyst for future improvements in the Beltline neighborhood for both residents and businesses alike.”
If both parties adhere to the agreement, demolition will begin in April 2025.