EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — East Palestine is taking another step in its long road to recovery by renovating the historic train depot near the village’s downtown, at the northwest corner of Taggart and North Market streets.
The building dates back to 1905, but has gone through extended periods of vacancy. The eventual plan is to convert it into office space for a single business or multiple businesses that can offer more jobs and encourage more shopping within the village.
The East Palestine Historic Train Depot Redevelopment project is not by any means the biggest economic development project in Ohio.
But it’s another example of how the village is trying to make something good come from the historic Norfolk Southern train derailment on Feb. 3, 2023, that resulted in one of the largest environmental disasters in state history.
The village recently announced that it had received $50,000 from a group called Opportunity Appalachia for architects to design the project. It previously received a $100,000 commitment from Norfolk Southern to put toward the interior. The final cost for that is not known.
Opportunity Appalachia is a program aimed at investing in Central Appalachia. East Palestine’s project was among 29 selected.
The project is “contributing to the community’s economic and cultural resurgence,” a village news release said.
“We are thrilled to be part of Opportunity Appalachia’s program, which aligns perfectly with our goals for economic revitalization,” said Chris Page, East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation board president. “The restoration of our historic depot will not only preserve a piece of our heritage but also pave the way for new business opportunities and community growth.”
The village is not receiving Opportunity Appalachia’s $50,000 grant directly but will instead have it go straight to architects and consultants who will, among other things, develop concepts and cost estimates for the interior. There also is the possibility of some money being used to do a market study or business plan.
Norfolk Southern Corp. transferred ownership of the depot to the village in May. The railway company will continue to own land beneath it and will lease it to the village.
Part of the building may be used as a community center, but the village said its goal is to lease out most of it to one or more businesses that pledge to offer more jobs to local citizens and provide incentives for people to shop downtown.
Proposals from would-be tenants are being accepted through Sept. 15.
The village also is planning a spring fund-raiser to encourage private investors to contribute.
“This pitch will not only highlight the depot’s potential but also the broader recovery plan for East Palestine. A compelling story and a well-developed plan could attract additional benefits and investments to support the village’s recovery and growth,” the village’s prepared statement said.
Norfolk Southern has already made $1 million of upgrades to the exterior, Heather L. Garcia, Norfolk Southern spokesman, said.
“Norfolk Southern understands the historical significance this train depot represents to the community,” Norfolk Southern Director of Corporate Giving Kristin Wong said in a statement on the company’s website. “As I’ve talked with those who live in East Palestine, I heard early on that they wanted to own and determine the future of this central building. Today, we’re partnering together to make that happen. We’re committed to making things right in East Palestine, and it is a privilege to donate this train depot to the community, and to watch what it will become next.”
Norfolk Southern said the depot had been vacant for decades and that it acquired it as part of a deal for the local rail line in 1998.
“East Palestine should be proud of their history with the railroad industry,” Ms. Wong said. “We are honored to donate this train depot to the community as a symbol of that history.”
The village also is hopeful it can get more money from a settlement to help pay for future medical bills of local residents affected by the tragedy, including first responders and residents of affected western Pennsylvania counties.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice announced in late May they had agreed to settle their claims against Norfolk Southern Railway Co. for $310 million.
A hearing to consider final approval is Sept. 25.
That sum includes a $25 million commitment from the railway to pay for health services of affected residents 20 years into the future, and $15 million to monitor groundwater and surface water for 10 years.
The settlement is pending approval by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
In its formal response filed July 31, the village cited several areas in which it believes the settlement falls short, including medical testing, medical treatment, and groundwater testing.
The village didn’t specify a dollar amount for each category.
But Chad M. Edwards, East Palestine village manager, said in that letter that “adjustments are essential for safeguarding our community’s future.”
“Our residents deserve a settlement that truly addresses the full scope of the impact from the derailment,” he said. “We are hopeful that the DOJ will consider our comments and work with us to ensure a just resolution.”
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D., Ohio) and U.S. Sen. JD Vance (R., Ohio) said at the time that East Palestine deserved more.
Those two and others have demanded that Norfolk Southern be held accountable for all costs.
“The Village of East Palestine has been clear that they are not satisfied with parts of this settlement — especially when it comes to securing necessary funds for health services and monitoring,” Mr. Brown said in a statement to The Blade. “I urge the Department of Justice to listen to the community and ensure that the people of East Palestine get the medical care and monitoring they need — and that Norfolk Southern pays for it.”
East Palestine Fire Chief Keith Drabick told The Blade the village wants to ensure it gets enough money for comprehensive health care and environmental monitoring for years.
“We just want to make sure everyone knows we are advocating for additional testing,” Chief Drabick said. “Ultimately, the residents and first responders should not have to bear the brunt.”
The U.S. EPA declined a request for comment about the village’s letter.
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