October 31, 2025
Abandoned and dilapidated buildings can create challenges for neighborhoods, posing health and safety risks while stifling economic growth and investment. Falling structures, lead-based paint, and other contaminants make these “BAD” (Brownfields, Abandoned, and Dilapidated) properties more than just eyesores but hazards that affect everyone in the community.
But behind every blighted property lies an opportunity for renewal. The WVU BAD Buildings Program helps communities across West Virginia turn these challenges into possibilities. At no cost, the program provides technical assistance, research, and resources to support local revitalization efforts.
West Virginia University BAD Buildings Program
Using a community-based, volunteer-led, step-by-step approach, WVU BAD Buildings empowers towns and cities to identify and prioritize problem properties, develop inventories, and create actionable strategies for reuse and redevelopment. The program also helps communities access analysis tools and funding opportunities for demolition and revitalization, transforming neglected spaces into vibrant community assets.
Whether your community is just beginning to address blight or looking to expand ongoing revitalization efforts, WVU BAD Buildings can help you take the first step toward a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous future.
Recent Work in Pocahontas County
The BAD Buildings process in the Durbin, Frank and Bartow areas of Pocahontas County began in mid-March with inventory training for the community facilitated by Brownfields Assistance Center (BAC) staff. Following this training, the community conducted a property inventory that covered nearly 60 structures and 10 vacant lots.
The next step was prioritization, which determines the most urgent properties through community discussion and ranking. This phase took place through a series of meetings, beginning in September with an in-person session that included the town council, mayor, Greenbrier Valley EDC, Preservation Alliance WV, Mon Forest Towns, and local property owners. A second and final prioritization meeting was held virtually in October to finish assessing the remaining properties.
The final step in the process is the completion of the final report for the community.
Upon completion, the report will be presented to and discussed with the communities at a final meeting. The final report will do the following:
- Outline the BAD Buildings process.
- Provide a brief history and background of the community.
- Identify key data and demographics that can be used to assist the community in pursuits for funding to address BAD Buildings.
- List current and ongoing initiatives in the community, in addition to BAD Buildings.
- Describe current enforcement codes and ordinances.
- Analyze the BAD Buildings inventory data and methodology.
- Provide recommendations based on community priorities.
- Highlight potential funding sources to address blight and support redevelopment.
Connecting with community members and involving them in the redevelopment process is the foundation of the program’s success and effectiveness. Residents are given the tools to take part in every stage of the BAD Buildings program including conducting the initial property inventory and helping to establish the community’s redevelopment priorities.
By utilizing a standardized program framework, the BAD Buildings approach can be applied anywhere, adapting to the unique contributions and priorities of each community. Having successfully implemented the program across dozens of towns, the WVU BAD Buildings program continues to support the redevelopment of communities that request assistance.
Connect with Us!
WVU BAD Buildings is currently accepting new communities for participation in the program on a rolling basis through Friday, December 5th. This year’s focus is on communities in the ACT Now Coalition’s priority counties including all counties in the Greenbrier Valley – Pocahontas, Monroe and Greenbrier. Other counties include Boone, Cabell, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, Webster, and Wyoming .
Interested in participating? Complete this form to connect with a member of the BAD Building Team.
