The relentless gnaw of time and neglect leaves its mark on every community, etching its presence in the form of dilapidated structures that haunt otherwise vibrant landscapes. In Mercer County, West Virginia, a determined effort is underway to erase these scars, one decaying building at a time. Lori Mills, the county’s dedicated dilapidated structures officer, stands at the forefront of this battle against blight, overseeing a project that has already seen nearly 300 structures demolished, with more slated for removal in the coming months.
The air buzzed with the rumble of heavy machinery on a recent Monday along Monroe Street, just outside of Princeton. Here, demolition crews were dismantling the last of 62 structures in the latest phase of the county’s ongoing blight removal program. This particular cluster of decaying buildings, nestled near the local Pepsi plant, represented a significant victory. Not only did the area suffer from the presence of six or seven structures beyond repair, but a dozen more were in dire need of attention, requiring substantial repairs or a thorough cleaning to prevent them from joining the ranks of the condemned.
The demolition work had experienced a brief hiatus due to inclement weather. Safety concerns regarding the transport of heavy equipment and debris across treacherous roads had forced a two-day pause in operations. However, with conditions improved, the crews returned with renewed vigor, determined to make up for lost time.
The funding for this vital project comes from a $750,000 grant awarded to Mercer County in January 2024 by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP). This grant allows county residents, along with those living in the towns of Athens, Bramwell, and Oakvale, to apply for assistance in demolishing dilapidated structures on their properties. This current round of funding follows a previously awarded $1.5 million grant from the state in 2023, which has already been fully utilized.
With the echo of collapsing structures serving as a testament to the project’s progress, Mills meticulously tracks the remaining funds. “Right now we’re at $467,000,” she reports, her words laced with a mixture of accomplishment and a sense of urgency. The urgency stems from the fact that over 40 additional structures are already earmarked for demolition in the next phase of the project. “By the time we get those 40 done,” Mills projects, “we will be approaching a total of 300 structures.”
The scale of this endeavor is truly impressive. Mills proudly points out that Mercer County’s demolition program is currently one of the largest in the state. This is a testament to both the need for such initiatives in the area and the county’s commitment to addressing the problem of blight.
But the future of the program remains uncertain. There is no guarantee that another grant will be forthcoming once the current $750,000 is exhausted. This uncertainty underscores the importance of encouraging eligible residents to apply for assistance now, while funds are still available. Mills emphasizes this point, urging potential applicants not to procrastinate. “It’s really important for folks to apply,” she reiterates.
For those struggling with the financial burden of demolishing a dilapidated structure, the program offers a lifeline. Applications can be obtained from Mills’s office in the Memorial Building, located at 1500 West Main Street in Princeton, near the Mercer County Courthouse. Alternatively, interested individuals can contact Mills directly via email at lori.mills@mercercountywv.org to request an application.
The program operates under specific guidelines stipulated by the WVDEP. While a three-year lien is placed on properties that benefit from demolition assistance, this lien is forgiven after the three-year period. For mobile home demolitions, a partial fee is required. This fee is a flat rate of $500 for a single-wide mobile home and $1,000 for a double-wide. Considering that the average cost of demolishing and removing a single-wide mobile home typically hovers around $1,500, the program offers significant financial relief to homeowners.
The impact of this demolition program extends far beyond the simple removal of unsightly structures. It represents a revitalization of communities, a restoration of pride, and an investment in the future. Each crumbling building that falls brings with it the promise of new beginnings, offering the potential for green spaces, new housing, or simply a cleaner, safer environment for residents. As the dust settles from each demolition, a renewed sense of hope rises in its place, a testament to the transformative power of community action and dedicated individuals like Lori Mills, who are working tirelessly to build a brighter future, one demolition at a time. The work continues, a testament to the enduring spirit of a community determined to overcome the challenges of blight and reclaim its landscape. The rumble of machinery, once a symbol of decay, now echoes with the promise of renewal.
