Beckley Common Council declines again to transfer Pinecrest Industrial Park to Raleigh County Commission

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) –During a regular meeting of Beckley Common Council on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Council passed a motion to indefinitely postpone an ordinance that would have transferred Pinecrest Industrial Park to Raleigh County Commission.

The transfer would allow the county to develop the acreage.

Park development honors an agreement city officials made with Pinecrest Development Corporation, the park’s former owner, back in 2022.

Those who oppose the transfer said county officials plan to develop on land that is close to two district schools, Beckley Elementary School and Beckley Stratton Middle School, and that it will destroy the Willie Barbera Memorial Cross Country Course.

Those in favor of the transfer said Pinecrest Development Corporation officials gave verbal permission to the late Mr. Barbera for development of the cross-country course but that all parties understood the acreage would eventually be developed.

Pinecrest Development Corporation officials deeded the acreage to the City of Beckley in 2022, under an agreement that city officials would lay utilities and develop the park within two years.

When Beckley officials did not develop the park, Pinecrest Development Corporation board members agreed not to pursue legal action if Council would transfer the acreage to Raleigh County Commission for development.

Raleigh County Commission President, Greg Duckworth said county officials are set to develop the area, while potentially leaving portions of the cross-country course intact.

Duckworth said the development must happen prior to 2026, when current funding will no longer be available under federal guidelines.

Prior to the Tuesday vote, Ward 1 Councilwoman, Natalie Coots said she would consider both sides, prior to voting.

“We don’t want to invite litigation,” said Councilwoman Coots on Monday. “We don’t want to upset anybody that has a personal stake in the property, so it won’t be an easy decision for any of us.”

Teachers from the two schools have asked Council not to transfer the property.

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