What is a Brownfield?
A brownfield is a property where the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of the property may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.
Brownfield properties are often abandoned, with owners no longer maintaining the property or paying taxes. These properties become eyesores that promote illegal dumping, cause degradation of the environment and present potential health risks to residents in the area.
Mission of the Brownfields Program:
- To develop a program for the identification, assessment, and redevelopment of brownfield sites.
- To raise awareness of business owners, developers, landowners, and lenders regarding brownfield grant eligibility.
- To bring citizens, environmental regulatory agencies, consultants, developers, landowners, and lenders to the table to redevelop brownfield sites.
- To promote community input on redevelopment initiatives.
- To assess and help resolve other barriers to urban redevelopment such as zoning and permitting criteria, level of trained workers, crime, etc.
Goals of the Program:
- Protecting the Environment – Addressing brownfields to promote the health and well being of the community and environment.
- Promoting Partnerships – Enhancing collaboration and communication essential to facilitate brownfields cleanup and reuse.
- Strengthen the Marketplace – Providing financial and technical assistance to bolster the private market.
- Sustaining Reuse – Redeveloping brownfields to enhance a community’s long-term quality of life.