Former Helmick Property and Box Factory Brownfield Cleanup and Recreational Plan

EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant and WV DEP Brownfield RLF

On January 7th, 2026 at 6pm at the Public Safety Building (500 Quincy Street) the City of Fairmont is conducting a public engagement and input session concerning an application for an EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant for the former Helmick manufacturing site located off of 10th Street and Minor Avenue. The City will also be soliciting feedback for Momentum Adventure Park and West Fork River Trail Extension Project in which the City intends to apply to WV DEP Brownfield RLF.

For Momentum Adventure Park and West Fork River Trail Extension (Project 1), the City is seeking approximately $50,000 in grant funding and $950,000 in low interest loan funding through the WV DEP Brownfield RLF. The project includes the construction of two miles of riverfront rail-trail, skatepark, pump track, bouldering facility, athletic equipment, shaded viewing area, parking lot, and indoor public amenities such as an information center and restrooms. For the proposed 9th Street Park (Project 2), the funding is part of the EPA’s Brownfield program. The City is seeking to apply for approximately $1,500,000 in grant funds to help remediate environmental contamination from past uses on the property to then redevelop the property for recreational use. The proposed improvements include a soccer field, pedestrian trail, multi-use sport courts (tennis, pickleball, etc.), and related amenities to support those uses.

For 9th Street Park, the recommended remedial action includes a soil cover, landscaping, and pervious caps for impacted areas and implementing a land use covenant restricting groundwater use. Alternative methods of remediation have been considered. A copy of the grant application and Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) is available below for review or physical copies are available at the City of Fairmont Planning and Development Department, 200 Jackson St, Suite 301 from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday. City officials encourage community members to provide comments on both applications and ABCA's by 4pm on January 14th, 2026.

Public Presentation for Projects 1 and 2

Project 1 - West Fork River Trail Extension and Momentum Adventure Park Draft ABCA

Project 1 - West Fork River Trail Extension and Momentum Adventure Park Draft RLF Application

Project 2 - 9th Street Park Draft ABCA

Project 2 - 9th Street Park Draft EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant Application

Public Comment Form - Available Until January 14th, 2026

The meeting shall be open to the public. City staff and contractors will be available to take questions, discuss feedback, and address any concerns. Participants will be asked to sign in and potentially complete a feedback / comment form or other type of engagement method.

This 9th Street Park project only includes approximately 8 acres of land owned by the City of Fairmont. This project does not include any adjacent property owned by private land owners, such as the former Helmick office building on a nearby parcel. For Momentum Adventure Park and West Fork River Trail Extension, the project includes approximately 24 acres of land.

Below is a conceptual plan for the Beltline Neighborhood showcasing the proposed 9th Street Park and Momentum Adventure Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the property contaminated? Is it safe for kids to be around?

A: Because of the historical uses of the property, the property has been confirmed to contain contaminates that would pose some risk to the public. As part of the redevelopment and the EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant as well as the Brownfield Revolving Loan Funds, the City will work with environmental professionals to eliminate risk to the public and create safe, quality spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Q: How long is this going to take?

A: That depends. For 9th Street Park, various parts of the project may be able to be implemented sooner than others. The first and most important step will be to remediate the property to prepare for these future uses. The creation of the recreational field will likely be completed first, followed by the surrounding amenities. Particular components, such as lighting or bleachers, may be constructed during later stages. If the grant is awarded, the project is likely to begin in late 2027. For Momentum Adventure Park and West Fork River Trail, the project will be out to bid for construction in 2026 in completed within 6 to 12 months.

Q: What is going to become of the former manufacturing building on the Helmick property?

A: The building is being deconstructed by Reclaim and will be fully removed from the property over the next few months. This was part of the donation agreement made with the City in 2023 when Reclaim donated a portion of the property.

Q: Why not build new housing or businesses instead?

A: At Helmick, per the donation agreement and deed restrictions on the property, the City is limited to improving and using the property for public purposes. The City will be focused on creating quality public amenities which will serve as a catalyst to future investment in and around the former Helmick site. For Momentum Adventure Park, this may be most feasible on some of the nearby greenfield properties once the park is complete.

Q: Is the City demolishing or renovating the Helmick office building at the corner of 10th St and Minor Ave?

A: No. The City is not the owner nor involved in any current plans related to the former office building for Helmick. The City is only the owner of the former manufacturing space.

Q: Did the City play a role in the closure of Helmick Corporation?

A: No. The City had a positive relationship with the leadership at Helmick Corporation and advocated for the company to remain operating. It is unfortunate that Helmick Corporation has closed, but the reasons for that closure are out of the City’s control.