The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) has allocated $35,000 in technical assistance grant funds to complete a Market and Feasibility Study that will assist with redevelopment planning efforts at the Bassett Community Center in Bassett, VA. The West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC) applied on behalf of the Bassett Community Center to the Virginia Brownfields Assistance Fund for $50,000 in 2024. This funding was awarded to the WPPDC in January 2025, which created the opportunity for $35,000 to become available.
The funding being used is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Community-wide Assessment Grant for States and Tribes awarded to DEQ in 2022. The Virginia DEQ chose this site based on the presence of asbestos-containing materials requiring abatement, its significance to the community, potential for redevelopment, and the limited existing resources.
“The Planning District Commission’s commitment to the site and the willingness of the community center stakeholders to collaborate and support these efforts were also factors in the decision to allocate grant funds for this work,” stated Karen Weber, Brownfields Coordinator for VDEQ.
This grant effort does not require matching funds; however, it will provide matching dollars for a Virginia Brownfields Assistance Fund (VBAF) grant awarded for the abatement of asbestos-containing materials in part of the building. The environmental and planning documents created as part of this effort will support future funding requests for additional asbestos removal and redevelopment of the site.
“I view a market and feasibility study as an essential foundation for the future of the Bassett Community Center,” said Rebekah Morgan, WPPDC Director of Community Development. “It will give us a clear understanding of what the community truly needs and what is realistically achievable, helping to align our vision with economic, recreational, and regional development goals. Making data-driven decisions now ensures we create opportunities and programming that serves the Bassett Community well for years to come.”
VDEQ has hired Stantec, based in Ashland, VA, to conduct research and provide consulting services regarding the Bassett Community Center. Their objective is to assess the market feasibility of reopening the center’s building and pool. The result of the market analysis will be a technical report, complete with necessary maps, graphics, and tables needed to support and explain conclusions. Findings from the report will be used to inform future steps needed to secure funding and/or financing needed for the rehabilitation of the building and pool.
“We appreciate this funding, which will be a crucial step in moving the project forward,” said Ronnie Dillard, Vice President of the Board for the Bassett Community Center.
The West Piedmont Planning District is a regional planning organization serving the counties of Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Pittsylvania; the cities of Danville and Martinsville; and the Town of Rocky Mount. The WPPDC seeks to carry out its mission by facilitating regional thinking and dialogue among the district’s local government, K-12 and higher educational institutions, economic development organizations, workforce development, and other key stakeholders. Learn more at westpiedmontpdc.org