CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A new proposal from the City of Clarksburg could turn three soon-to-be-vacant school properties into a beacon of renewal for the city’s struggling neighborhoods. On Tuesday evening, the Harrison County Board of Education listened to a presentation outlining potential redevelopment plans for Washington Irving Middle School, North View Elementary, and the adjacent Hite Field.
The presentation was delivered by Dr. Shana Nicholson, Clarksburg’s Director of Community Development. Nicholson framed the initiative not just as a redevelopment project—but as an open invitation for collaboration between city government and the school board.
“One of the challenges that Clarksburg has faced for many years is old, dilapidated buildings,” Nicholson said. “Unfortunately, we’ve had several school buildings that have sat vacant.”
Nicholson warned that without proactive planning, these schools could fall into the same pattern seen with other former school buildings in Harrison County—auctioned off, left to rot, and in multiple cases, catching fire. She specifically expressed concern about out-of-state buyers or even local speculators acquiring the properties with no real intent to rehabilitate them, leading to eyesores, fire hazards, and attractants for criminal activity.
A Vision Rooted in Prevention and Progress
Nicholson cited the Broken Window Theory—a criminological concept suggesting that urban decay tends to spread when left unaddressed. Vacant, decaying school buildings, she argued, would not only drag down nearby property values but could signal neglect to potential investors and residents.
Instead, she asked the Board of Education to consider a public-private partnership with the city to redevelop the sites with purpose and community benefit in mind.
While the presentation didn’t lock in specific reuse plans, ideas floated include:
- Educational or vocational training centers
- Community recreation facilities
- Mixed-use developments that could bring life and foot traffic back to underused corridors
- Partnerships with nonprofits or local startups to breathe new energy into the spaces
Why This Matters for Clarksburg
This initiative represents more than a land-use plan—it’s a turning point for how the city chooses to handle large, high-visibility properties. Clarksburg’s downtown has seen recent successes, including the revitalized Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center. Nicholson’s plan signals an ambition to continue building momentum instead of backsliding into vacancy and blight.
By actively engaging the school board before the properties are sold, the city is hoping to get ahead of the cycle of decline. Nicholson’s approach blends preservation, economic strategy, and public safety into one comprehensive vision.
The School Board’s Role
The school board has not yet made any decisions regarding the future of the buildings. Tuesday’s presentation was a first step—intended to start a conversation and establish lines of communication.
Members of the board listened attentively but did not immediately respond with a formal position. Future meetings and community input are expected to shape the next steps.
A Community Call to Action
Clarksburg residents should pay close attention to this proposal—it’s not often that multiple large properties become available in key parts of the city at once. What happens next could affect neighborhoods for decades to come.
Whether these buildings become revitalized anchors or boarded-up liabilities depends on who steps up now—and how bold they’re willing to be.
For continuing coverage of this developing story and its impact on Clarksburg, follow The Clarksburg News and Observer.
By The Clarksburg News and Observer Staff
