Brownfields

How can I evaluate a brownfield site for development?

For successful redevelopment, a property should meet certain criteria, which are listed below. Unfortunately, there is no one formula to determine which combination of these components will ensure success of a brownfields redevelopment effort.

EPA’s criteria of evaluation are:

Ownership status: public or private
- If the property is public, it should allow for easy access and the ability to transfer or sell once the site has been redeveloped.
- If the property is private, be sure that the owner understands your intentions. Issues such as access, repayment of public funding, and contribution to the eventual cleanup of the property should be addressed.

Large properties can easily be split up and sold off in pieces after they have been redeveloped.
Often, several small properties from adjacent properties can be combined for effective redevelopment and use.

Transportation access

Important factors, especially for commercial redevelopment, include

Easy access to public transportation
Location near major highways
Availability of sufficient parking

Commercial or industrial projects require that workers can get to the site conveniently via public or private transportation.

Special status: empowerment zones/enterprise communities or historic districts

Special funding may be available for redevelopment in historic districts or empowerment zones/enterprise communities (distressed communities that the federal government has targeted to receive technical resources to encourage private sector development, job growth, and entrepreneurship).
Special restrictions may exist on projects for historic properties, and these should be investigated before a reuse plan is developed.

Public benefit

Will the redevelopment of the site enhance the quality of life for the surrounding community?
Will it generate tax revenue for the city or county?
Is it part of a larger revitalization effort that can contribute to, or can benefit from, the leveraging of financial or technical support?

Costs
- Projected costs for assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment should be balanced against projected grants, loans, or in-kind financial support.
- Benefit to the public, quality of life, and environmental impact factors should also be considered.
Contamination

What is the nature of the contamination at this site?
Has it been previously assessed or had potential environmental hazards removed?
If the state or federal government has proposed further site investigation, or if there is concern regarding the level or nature of contamination at the target site, you may want to review the options for cleanup and redevelopment under the Superfund program

For further information, see EPA Region 1’s brownfields Website

After reviewing these factors and feel comfortable in your choice of brownfield sites, may want to investigate different sources of funding to assist you in redevelopment efforts.

Redeveloping Brownfields Property

Once a property has been evaluated, redevelopment involves the following steps:

1. Site Inventory http://www.epa.gov/region01/brownfields/basics/reuse/invntory.htm