Print
Share page with AddThis

BAUD FAQs

#1: What is the purpose of the BAUD program? Project BAUD (Blighted, Abandoned, Underutilized, and Derelict) will take a systematic approach to comprehensively address areas in the community where improvements, large or small, can provide huge benefit in terms of livability, stabilization of property values, and overall community health.

#2: How do I contact the BAUD department? You may click here or call (276) 378-5026.

#3: What properties are covered? Project: BAUD is designed to help EVERY property in the Town of Marion -  public and private - and lands, residential and commercial - throughout the Town of Marion.  The goal is address underused and blighted properties to improve the stabilization of property values, and overall community health.

#4: What if I have a property that is considered to be BAUD?  We’d love to help!  Please contact us at (276) 378-5026 or email kheath@marionva.org and we will help you connect with agencies that might be of assistance.

#5: What if I have a property that is BAUD and I don’t want it?  The Town of Marion is interested in acquiring BAUD properties for redevelopment and we would love to discuss options with you.  Please contact kheath@marionva.org or call (276) 378-5026. 

#6: How do I report a property I believe should be included?  The Town of Marion has a quick, easy form. Just click here to fill it out.

#7: I want to build a house in Marion.  Where do I start?  Awesome!  Contact kheath@marionva.org or call (276) 378-5026 and we will help you every step of the way, from first time home buyer classes to finding sources for down payment and financing to even opportunities to find your ideal building lot!

#8: I’m a contractor.  How can I get involved?  Marion is always looking for qualified contractors and subcontractors to recommend.  Just contact kheath@marionva.org and we will add you to our list!

#9: I’m a developer, and I want to be in Marion How can I get involved?  Marion’s Project BAUD is the ideal catalyst to bridge the gap between BAUD properties and those wanting to improve them.  Please contact us and we will work with you to help maximize your investment in the Town of Marion.

#10: What are the steps currently on the way? 

  • Step One:  Comprehensive Property Study-  The Town of Marion, in partnership with Marion Housing and Redevelopment and Virginia Housing and Hill Studios, has completed a current survey that catalogs all properties, public and private, residential and commercial, greenspace and vacant, throughout the Town. This survey provides the base for project BAUD.
  • Step Two:  Comprehensive Housing Study-  Marion has an assortment of housing along the continuum, from Section 8 Housing to expensive private single family residences, from “working class” apartments to house trailers. Marion’s Comprehensive Housing Study, assessing the current stock, current inventory, and future needs, shows a current need of over 1,000 housing units countywide.
  • Step Three:  Comprehensive Commercial Structures Study.-  Marion continues to enjoy low commercial vacancy rates.  However, in the light of the pandemic and changes in Virginia law, Marion is seeing a growing number of vacant commercial buildings.  Further, Marion has vacant lots that could be homes for new businesses, as well as blighted, derelict, and underutilized commercial buildings throughout the Commercial District that must be addressed. 
  • Step Four:  Retail and Industry Retention and Recruitment Study- Following on the success of “Pop Up Marion” and growth associated with increased tourism presence and marketing, Emory & Henry, and other factors, Marion is transforming into “Marion 2.0”.  A Comprehensive Market Study to determine leakage and opportunities is necessary to best begin the process of recruiting targeted new businesses and industry to Marion, along with developing current incentives to retain our current business and industry family.
  • Step Five:  Comprehensive Incentives and Assistance Program-  To affect radical change, the Town of Marion will need to deploy both “carrot and stick”, meaning incentives and ordinance penalties to move progress along.  This office far prefers “carrot”, and will develop a menu of incentives and assistance first.  Once all these remedies have been identified, a list of proposed ordinance changes will be presented to the Town for consideration – including Imminent Domain and escalating penalties for vacant properties.  Of course, any decision to follow any discussions or recommendations will rest with the Marion Town Council.
  • Step Six:  Implementation-  Once all of the variables have been identified and needs assessed, the office of Community and Economic Development will provide an implementation plan to put the information garnered to work to begin the process of comprehensively revitalizing Marion.  Every aspect of Marion will be included:  commercial, residential, recreational properties, business retention and recruitment, commercial and residential building code review and enforcement, rental inspection, tourism, and finally marketing. 

 

For more information on the BAUD program, please click here to see the "How To..." page.

To ask a question that is not here or on the "How To..." page please click here or call (276) 378-5026