Thursday, August 4, 2011

Why Redevelop Brownfields?


brownfields2011.org
            Brownfields “are abandoned or underused properties where there may be environmental contamination. Redevelopment efforts are often hindered by the liability for the cleanup or the uncertainty of cleanup costs” (Sturdevant). Blocks of brownfields can be found in most cities in the form of vacant factories, gas stations, parking lots, warehouses, residential sites, and many more types of facilities. Brownfields may lead you to think of dirty, dilapidated, industrial properties, but that is a common misconception. While some brownfields are in fact old industrial sites, others are residential and commercial buildings and landscapes with diminutive or no environmental contamination.

How do Brownfields Impact a Community?
Brownfields can:
  • Harm human health and the environment
  • Limit job growth, economic development and tax revenue
  • Reduce surrounding property values
  • Contribute to neighborhood crime (Sturdevant)

What are the Benefits of Brownfield Redevelopment?
      Cleans up the local environment – reduces the possibility of air and water pollution and soil contamination
      Creates jobs and fosters new investments in the community
      Increases the productivity of the land
      Encourages urban revitalization
      Eliminates eyesores
      Urban and suburban sprawl deterrent

Obstacles to Redevelopment
      Concerns regarding contamination
      Redevelopment requires substantial investment in time and money
      Legal costs and liability
      Must meet state, federal, and EPA standards


      I definitely think that brownfields should be restored and integrated back into a community. It makes no sense not to make good use of all available space in a community, especially if it means avoiding outward expansion into natural areas.

Citation(s):
     Sturdevant, Ted. "Brownfields | Toxics Cleanup Program | Washington                                   
            Department of Ecology." Washington State Department of Ecology
           | Home Page | ECY WA DOE. Web. 04 Aug. 2011.         
           <http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/tcp/brownfields/brownfields_hp.html>.
 

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