The City of Huntington and 14th St West will host an Open House style public meeting on Thursday, July 20th at the West Huntington Library where everyone in the community is invited to learn about the PATH project and give input on identifying what streets and sidewalks should be improved for bicycles and pedestrians. PATH, the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health, is a nearly 19 mile system of recreation trails built in addition to an active network of roadways approved for commuter bicyclists in downtown Huntington. According to CityOfHuntington.com, “This project will include improvements for bicycle and pedestrians that would connect the Harveytown PATH section to 14th Street West, creating a safe and welcoming option for pedestrians and cyclists to access the neighborhood, and draw residents and visitors alike to the corridor.”
For more information on PATH and this open house event visit: https://www.cityofhuntington.com/residents/paul-ambrose-trail-for-health/path-connection-at-14th-st-w/
The Paul Ambrose Trail for Health began as an idea in 2006 from Dr. Raymond Busbee, Marshall University Park Resources and Leisure Services professor/researcher and Robert Plymale, CEO of Rahall Transportation Institute. According to the City of Huntington website, “In 1998 Dr. Busbee conducted a trail study reviewing the feasibility of a multiuse trail connection from Kenova, WV to Charleston, WV. Plymale encouraged that idea but first wanted a more focused view for a trail system in Huntington that would create a livable community for residents.” After a few years of fundraising and planning, “in 2009, RTI, GHPRD and WV Citizens Conservation Corps constructed the first segment of the PATH at St. Cloud Commons Park on National Day of Service, September 11, 2009.” That date was particularly important to celebrate because “Through a public contest, the trail system was named the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health (PATH) in honor of the promising young physician who worked toward decreasing obesity in rural areas. Dr. Ambrose’s life was cut short as a passenger on American Airlines flight 77 when it was taken over by terrorists and flown into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001”.
The 14th St W / West End Revitalization Project “is one of the components of the Huntington Innovation Project or HIP Plan which won the $3 million grand prize in the national America’s Best Community competition.” This prize money was won in April, 2017 and there are multiple community improvement projects that are in various stages of progress from planning to completion throughout Huntington.
Some of the 14st W progress includes:
- Four new businesses started since 2017 ABC award
- Developing funding for a historic assessment in preparation for applying for historic district status which will allow the use of historic tax credits
- Acquisition of 610-618 14th Street West property which will house a history museum and artisan demonstrations along with antique dealers and offices for the arts and culture district
- 14th Street West Streetscape improvements and creative placemaking activities
- Numerous 14th Street West festivals and events including Winter ArtsFest
- 2 murals completed
- Gazebo upgrades have begun
- A new vision and master plan for 14th Street West, The 14STW District Plan, was released to the public which seeks to tie Old Central City to Heritage Farm Museum and Village and West Edge Factory, Coalfield Development’s Westmoreland facility.
For more information on 14St W community revitalization plans visit: https://www.cityofhuntington.com/residents/americas-best-communities/west-end-revitalization/
PATH Open House / PUBLIC MEETING:
- Thursday, July 20
- 5:30-8pm
- West Huntington Library
- 901 14th St W, Huntington, WV 25704