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B U I L D I N G   V I B R A N T   C O M M U N I T I E S:
  COMMUNITY BENEFITS OF LAND REVITALIZATION




                                                           1
Foreword
                                              In 1993, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency        partners, who we highlight throughout the report.
                                              (EPA) launched a small pilot program called              The purpose of this report is to help us all rethink,
                                              “brownfields” with an initial grant of $200,000 to       make new connections, and broaden our idea of the
                                              Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Through this pilot, a seven       resources available to clean up brownfields properties,
                                              acre site was assessed and cleaned up, 141 jobs          revitalize our communities, create new economic
                                              were created, and two sites were created for healthy     opportunities, and improve our nation’s environment
                                              new businesses. It also sparked a movement to clean      and health.
In 1998, EPA awarded its first Brownfields    up and redevelop idled, underused, abandoned, and
Job Training grants. JFYNetWorks in Boston,   vacant properties throughout the country.                I understand that in today’s economic conditions,
Massachusetts, used this funding to train                                                              brownfield tools are needed more than ever to
community members to become environmental
technicians.                                  Today, the EPA Brownfields Program has changed the       clean up and redevelop brownfield properties for
                                              landscape of America’s communities and transformed       sustainable uses that create local jobs. EPA has to
                                              once vacant properties into beacons of hope for many     meet that challenge by working and listening to local
                                              economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.To date,        communities, fostering public-private partnerships,
                                              the program has provided more than 2,500 grants          and providing flexibility in our resources. I look to
                                              totaling more than $600 million in direct funding        you to challenge us as to how EPA and the Federal
                                              to communities, which leveraged an additional            Government can assist you to help revitalize local
                                              $12 billion from other sources to assess, clean up       communities.
                                              and reuse brownfields. This investment has yielded
                                              more than 54,000 jobs – many in disadvantaged            Mathy Stanislaus
                                              communities. While these statistics are impressive,      EPA Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste and
                                              there is also a broad range of additional community-     Emergency Response
                                              wide benefits that can result from the redevelopment
                                              and reuse of brownfield properties.

                                              This report highlights these other community
                                              benefits and potential redevelopment opportunities
                                              to create more vibrant, healthy, safe, and sustainable
                                              communities. Specifically, the report highlights                                              Prepared under:
                                              the potential use of brownfields for agriculture and                                Contract No. EP-W-07-023
                                              food systems, arts and culture, housing and mixed
                                              uses, and other community and civic uses such as                                                  Prepared for:
                                              greenspace, schools, and health care facilities. Of                       U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
                                              course, these benefits and the Brownfields Program              Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
                                              itself could not occur without our numerous federal,              Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization
                                              state, municipal, nonprofit, and private sector                                        Washington, D.C. 20460
BUILDING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES:
           Community Benefits of Land Revitalization

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Section 1: Successful Brownfields Redevelopment                       .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . .1
    EPA Brownfields Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . .1
    Engaging Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . .2
    Enhancing Sustainability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . .5
    Community Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . .7
        Health and Environmental Benefits . . . . .                   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . .8
        Economic Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . .9
        Capacity Building Benefits . . . . . . . . . . .              .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . .9
        Neighborhood Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .10

Section 2: Brownfields Reuse Creates Community Benefits                                       .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .11
    Agriculture and Food System Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                              .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .11
    Arts and Culture Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                       .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .17
    Housing and Mixed Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                          .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .23
    Community and Civic Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                          .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .31

Section 3: Summary and Looking Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             i
ii
Introduction
                                                                                                                  “A brownfield is a grain
An abandoned factory, a boarded up corner gas             Brownfields revitalization has been successful—not
station, a run down mill. In communities across the       just at individual properties, but block-by-block and    of sand around which
country, we see brownfields of every shape and size.      beyond. There are hundreds of examples where the              the pearl of
It is hard to miss the graffiti-laced walls, the broken   clearing of environmental concerns at one distressed     community develops.”
windows, the caved in roofs. It is equally hard to        property paved the way for the property to return to
dismiss the unknown environmental contaminants            productive reuse. We see dozens of examples where
                                                                                                                  Clark Henry – Brownfields Coordinator,
and health hazards brownfields can pose.                  blight is reversed with regeneration—where one                   City of Portland, Oregon
                                                          property’s reuse spurs community-wide revitalization.
Degradation often spreads beyond the boundary of          Sidewalks and streets are improved. Trees and flowers
one property to blight an entire neighborhood or          are planted. New lighting is installed. A community
community. Surrounding streets become stagnant            center gets refurbished. Businesses and residents
and unsafe. Concerns about safety and crime               return to the area. The ripple effects can spread
rates increase. Residents and businesses move             through the community—fear and crime rates fall,
out. Property values decline. Retirees, residents,        access to services and healthcare improves, property
business owners, and employees that remain behind         values increase, a tax base is restored.
may need to go further to access goods or services.
The inspiration and creativity that formed the            What is it that distinguishes one property cleanup
neighborhood’s original vibrancy can fade away.           and reuse success from another, and what stimulates
                                                          change well beyond its original property lines?
Fortunately, more than two decades ago, civic leaders     What creates a safer environment and an economic
began working to reclaim their communities. The           resurgence while creating a healthier and more
nation embarked on an experiment in environmental         sustainable community? Answering those questions is     Redevelopment is underway at Portland,
protection, involving aspects of environmental justice                                                            Oregon’s South Waterfront
                                                          the next part of the brownfields experiment. Will you
and economic development, to address the growing          be one of the next generation of brownfield leaders?
challenge of cleaning up and revitalizing brownfield
properties. Environmental justice advocates and           We hope this report motivates and inspires citizens,
citizen groups rallied to reverse the decline of          developers, urban planners, non-governmental
neighborhoods. Cities, states, nonprofit organizations    organization (NGO) leaders, academics, policy
and tribal nations responded, and public and private      makers, business owners, and community
developers saw a market opportunity. EPA began a          development, environmental, and health officials
pilot program to provide seed money to catalyze this      to explore the possibilities. This report highlights
movement, and other federal agencies retooled their       the important, yet sometimes less tangible benefits
funding and assistance to aid the cause.                  that brownfields redevelopment can bring to your
                                                          community.


                                                                                                                                             iii
Introduction                 continued...


     This report provides only a small sampling of the              Join those communities that have reinvigorated
     many brownfield community collaborations—                      their land and built vibrant, healthy, sustainable
     through case studies and several anecdotal stories             communities.
     as well as photos and external research—to give you
     a sense of what is possible. We provide resource
     links and information about innovative partnerships
     to spur your imagination.




                      In addition to supporting and becoming involved in brownfields revitalization, you can
                      strengthen your community right now by doing the following:

                          •	 Participate	in	a	community	garden           •	 Use	public	transportation
                          •	 Volunteer	with	a	local	organization         •	 Celebrate	your	community’s	history
                          •	 Improve	your	home’s	curb	appeal             •	 Work	with	community	leaders	on	a	
                          •	 Start	a	new	business                           blighted property
                          •	 Support	your	local	farmers	market           •	 Speak	up	for	your	neighborhood
                          •	 Meet	your	neighbors                         •	 Save	a	historic	building
                          •	 Organize	social	activities	on	your	street   •	 Help	to	create	community	greenspace
                          •	 Attend	community	events	and	meetings        •	 Participate	in	cultural	activities
                          •	 Walk	to	your	local	park                     •	 Support	activities	at	local	schools




iv
1. Successful Brownfields Redevelopment
                                                                                                                                    A brownfield is a property affected by real
                                                                                                                                    or perceived contamination that inhibits
Brownfield properties are diverse. They come in all       As shown in Figure 1, approximately 2,500 grants                          redevelopment.
sizes—from a fraction of an acre to hundreds of           have been awarded across the country since 1995.
acres. They are located in urban, suburban and rural      In addition, these grants total more than $600                            Land revitalization refers to the process
locations. Some properties may have little to no          million in direct funding to communities, enabling                        of assessing a property for contamination,
                                                                                                                                    cleaning up contamination (if found), and
contamination, while others require cleanup to ensure     these communities to leverage an additional $12
                                                                                                                                    returning the property to productive use.
protection of the community and environmental             billion from other sources to assess, clean up and
health. Contamination at these properties—whether         reuse brownfields.
perceived or actual—can cause them to lay idle,
underused, abandoned or vacant; this can lead             In addition to the funding and support provided                           EPA’s Brownfields Program has enabled:
to blight and disinvestment in neighborhoods or           by EPA’s Brownfields Program, there are numerous
communities.                                              state, tribal, local, private and nonprofit partners                      •	Assessment	of	more	than	14,000		
                                                                                                                                      properties
                                                          that provide funding and technical support to assess,
                                                                                                                                    •	Cleanup	of	nearly	400	properties
This section provides a brief overview of the U.S.        clean up and revitalize brownfield properties.                            •	Creation	of	more	than	54,000	jobs
EPA’s Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization                                                                                 •	Employment	of	3,300	Job	Training			
(OBLR) Brownfields Program and the broader                                                                                            graduates2
community benefits that can occur from brownfields
revitalization. This section also highlights the                                                                                                     Data current as of 8/24/2009
importance of community involvement and                                   EPA Brownfields Program Grants
incorporating elements of sustainability to ensure
these broader community benefits.                          3,000

                                                           2,500

                                                           2,000
EPA Brownfields Program                                    1,500
                                                                                                              Grants

In many cases, brownfield properties remain vacant         1,000

or idle because of a lack of funding to assess or           500                                                        Funding
clean up the property. In response, EPA’s OBLR                0
                                                                                                              ($M        illions)

provides grants to communities, states and tribes to




                                                                                                                            2009
                                                                                                2003



                                                                                                       2005



                                                                                                                2007
                                                                   1995



                                                                           1997



                                                                                  1999



                                                                                         2001



assess and clean up brownfields. OBLR also provides
grants to train local residents in the technical skills
necessary to become environmental professionals           Figure 1: Since 1995, the number of Brownfields
that obtain jobs in local brownfields redevelopment       grants awarded yearly has increased tenfold.1
projects near them.



                                                                                                                                                              1
As shown in Figure 2, the EPA Brownfields Program                        Engaging Communities
  “It offers a sense of             and its partners have leveraged almost $12 billion
                                    and created 54,000 jobs.                                                 Brownfield projects that receive government funding
  community pride...                                                                                         require public notice and community involvement.
   if people feel they                                                                                       These communities reach out to and involve
 have some input and                                  EPA Brownfields Grants                                 stakeholders before, during and after receiving
   control in a project                              Leverage Jobs and Funding                               funding to ensure success. Community members and
                                                                                                             local stakeholders can learn, share information and
     like this, that is              60,000                                                                  shape brownfields cleanup and redevelopment while
  planting a seed for                50,000
                                                                                                             also fostering a new generation of community leaders.
ownership in the future.”
                                     40,000                                                                  By creating a dialogue among all stakeholders in
                                                                                                             a brownfields project, community engagement
 Tito Molino – West End Community    30,000
       Development Council,
                                                                                                             enhances the final reuse of the property and the
                                                                          Jobs
      Bridgeport, Connecticut        20,000                                                                  long-term success of the project. Individuals and
                                                                                                             organizations also build lasting working relationships
                                     10,000
                                                                                          Funding            and stronger community ties. EPA also recognizes
                                         0
                                                                                        ($Millions)          that community engagement is a vital process to help
                                                                                                             alleviate environmental justice concerns for citizens
                                              1997



                                                     1999



                                                            2001



                                                                   2003



                                                                                 2005



                                                                                           2007



                                                                                                      2009
                                                                                                             in economically disadvantaged areas and give them a
                                                                                                             voice in their community’s future.
                                        Figure 2: As more brownfields are redeveloped,
                                        more jobs are created for the community.3
                                                                                                             Early community engagement may also identify
                                                                                                             reuses preferred by local stakeholders to fill key
                                    Working together, brownfields revitalization partners                    market gaps or provide needed services. For example,
                                    across the country have made a substantial impact                        residents may identify vital, but overlooked, services
                                    in terms of dollars invested and leveraged, properties                   in the community—such as a full service grocery
                                    cleaned up and jobs created.                                             store, park, bank, senior housing or pharmacy that
                                                                                                             may not otherwise be developed.
                                    In addition to these measures of success, a variety of
                                    broader community beliefs have been realized. Often,                     Successful community engagement results in
                                    these benefits are linked to brownfields revitalization                  stakeholders identifying new ideas that gain
                                    projects that successfully engage participation of                       community support, minimize conflict and reduce
                                    the community before and during the redevelopment                        delays in project completion. All these factors can
                                    process.                                                                 save time and money for the property owner and
                                                                                                             developer, and assure the long-term success of the
                                                                                                             project for the entire community.

            2
Participating in the local decision–making process            support their project. This builds civic capacity and
empowers and inspires residents to continue                   helps strengthen bonds among neighbors, creating a            U.S. EPA CARE Program
their public participation and address issues in              more tightly knit community.
their community beyond the original brownfields                                                                             EPA’s CARE Program helps to
project. A community’s youth is often a huge                  This increased civic capacity provides the                    develop community based solutions
source of untapped creativity that may provide a              groundwork for future neighborhood collaboration              to environmental issues. CARE grant
                                                                                                                            recipients engage all members of the
fresh perspective on ways to address brownfields.             and revitalization of the community. Learning about           community and create local partnerships
For example, the Girl Scouts of Nassau County,                and participating in local decision making can                to access a broad range of viewpoints and
New York developed the Brownfields Buster patch,              inspire residents to remain engaged and address               services so that the entire community
which is earned by learning about brownfields in the          other important issues in their community.                    decides how best to deal with its
community and suggesting ideas for redevelopment.                                                                           environmental issues. Find out more at
                                                                                                                            www.epa.gov/care.
Youth involvement and engagement can also create a            The following case study of Market Creek Plaza in
new generation of community leaders.                          San Diego, California highlights a highly innovative
                                                              community engagement process that included a
The brownfields redevelopment process allows public,          community development initial public offering.
community and private sector stakeholders to forge
new partnerships, and access new resources to




                                                                Community engagement experts recommend
                                                                that the process:                                           Through the CARE Program in Marquette,
                                                                                                                            Michigan, volunteers collect e-waste to prevent
                                                                •	Include	the	promise	that	the	public’s	contribution		 	    improper disposal or dumping
                                                                  will influence the decision
                                                                •	Communicate	the	interests	and	meets	the	process		 	
                                                                  needs of all participants
                                                                •	Seek	out	and	facilitate	the	involvement	of	those		    	
                                                                  potentially affected
                                                                •	Involve	participants	in	defining	how	they	participate
                                                                •	Provide	participants	with	the	information	they	need			
                                                                  to participate in a meaningful way
   The more people and viewpoints represented in the            •	Communicate	to	participants	how	their	input		         	
   brownfields redevelopment process, the more information
   communities have to identify the best property reuse. At       affected the decision4
   a Greensburg, Kansas, design charrette, residents work
   together to develop a site plan.




                                                                                                                                                         3
To find tools for public involvement,       Case Study: Market Creek Plaza - San Diego, CA
visit www.epa.gov/publicinvovlement/        Neighborhood group develops model for community ownership of neighborhood assets
Involvement.htm.

                                            In an area once known as the ‘Four         The Community-Development Initial
For more information about the Jacobs       Corners of Death’ in the distressed        Public Offering (CD-IPO) was launched in
                                            Diamond Neighborhoods of San               2006, making it possible for community          Benefits
Center for Neighborhood Innovation, visit
                                            Diego, California, an abandoned            residents to purchase ownership shares in
www.jacobscenter.org, and for more                                                     Market Creek Partners, LLC. To date, the
                                            aerospace factory was transformed                                                          •	 Involved	3,000	adults	
information about the project, go to www.   into a community hub called Market         community owns 40 percent of Market                and youth and eight
marketcreekplaza.com.                       Creek Plaza. This mixed use center         Creek Partners, LLC; the ultimate goal is          design teams in the
                                            has become a community focal point,        for 100 percent community ownership                planning process
                                            incorporating cultural traditions, arts    of this project. Owning a part of this
                                            and entertainment—with a grocery store,    innovative project generated a sense of         •	 Filled	cultural,	retail	and	
                                            restaurants, retail shops and essential    pride and accomplishment throughout the            grocery market gaps
                                            services.                                  community.
                                                                                                                                       •	 Awarded	$7.9	million	
                                            A major component of the project’s         The reuse of this brownfield strengthened          dollars in contracts to
                                            success was its in-depth community         community ties and established Market              minority- or women-
                                            engagement process. Resident working       Creek Plaza as a community gathering               owned businesses
                                            teams partnered with the Jacobs Center     place where neighbors can meet and enjoy
                                            for Neighborhood Innovation to plan,       the fruits of their labor. Market Creek Plaza   •	 415	community	
                                            design, build, lease and now own and       is now a catalyst for local involvement and        members and
                                            operate the Plaza. Planning began with     other redevelopment projects. This process         organizations now own a
                                            800 neighborhood surveys, numerous         serves as a model for other communities            part of the development
                                            living room meetings, and several          and demonstrates the value of partnership
Neighbors attend a Market Creek             community forums to assess what the        and the power of eliminating blight to          •	 Created	200	new	jobs;	
planning meeting                            community needed. Top on the list was      transform a neighborhood.                          70 percent of them filled
                                            a major chain grocery store, followed by                                                      by residents
                                            restaurants, entertainment and living-
                                            wage jobs.                                                                                 •	 Restored	1,400	linear	
                                                                                                                                          feet of wetlands
                                            Local residents participated in eight
                                            working teams to influence all elements                                                    •	 Generated	$42	million	
                                            of the project, from community outreach                                                       in economic activity in
                                            to building design. Residents were in                                                         2008
                                            charge of developing and implementing
                                            outreach and communication strategies.                                                     •	 Paid	a	full	10	percent	
                                            This helped build capacity among                                                              annual return to Diamond
                                            resident leaders as they mobilized the                                                        Community Investors in
                                            larger community to participate in the                                                        2007 and 2008
                                            process.




               4
Enhancing Sustainability
                                                                                                              For more information on the Sustainable
EPA supports innovative projects that incorporate       is cleaned up. Property that was previously           Sites Initiative, please go to their Web site
                                                                                                              at www.sustainablesites.org.
sustainability into brownfields cleanup and             underutilized due to the perception or existence
redevelopment. Sustainability is often defined          of contamination is restored to a higher and better
as meeting the needs of the present without             use. And greenfields that may otherwise have
compromising the ability of future generations to       been developed are left untouched. There are also
meet their own needs.5 However, since the late          approaches that can be integrated into brownfields
1980s, human resource use has exceeded the earth’s      revitalization to improve sustainability.
capacity to regenerate those resources.6 This means
that globally, we are compromising the ability of       Many brownfields partners and other organizations
future generations to meet their needs.                 provide technical assistance and guidelines to
                                                        promote more sustainable designs and features
To reverse this trend and live sustainably, we must     into redevelopment projects. For example, the
reduce our impact on the environment, even as           Sustainable Sites Initiative is a joint effort by
we improve our social and economic conditions.          the American Society of Landscape Architects,
While this may be challenging, it is helpful to         the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the
think of sustainability as a process and not as an      United States Botanic Garden that establishes a
endpoint. Many individual decisions to enhance          set of guiding principles for sustainability.7 This
sustainability will combine to reduce our impact on     framework helps to show sustainability as a process   At community gardens across the country, rain
                                                                                                              catchers improve stormwater management
the environment and benefit the entire community.       for enhancing human welfare while reducing harmful    and double as public art. At one community
The case studies presented throughout this report       effects to the environment.                           garden, children help to install a rain catchment
highlight sustainable features incorporated into each                                                         structure.

property’s redevelopment.                               Many communities across the country revitalize        Photo courtesy of Ashley Kyber
                                                        brownfields to remove environmental contamination
Cleaning up and revitalizing brownfields inherently     and contribute to long-term sustainability. Some
enhances sustainability. Through brownfields            communities have made their cleanup process more
revitalization, property that was once contaminated     sustainable by reusing and recycling construction




                                                                                                                                           5
and demolition materials, while others make the               •	 Reusing existing buildings, infrastructure, fixtures
Did you know?                                     property’s reuse sustainable by constructing green,              and equipment
                                                  energy efficient buildings. In 2008, EPA initiated            •	 Using renewable and recyclable construction
Greenfields and undeveloped land serve            16 Brownfields Sustainability Pilots to explore ways             materials
as a carbon sink, offsetting more than 10
                                                  to enhance sustainability by providing technical              •	 Building new structures or retrofitting existing
percent of our nation’s greenhouse gas
emissions. Protecting these areas through         assistance for achieving greener assessment,                     structures to be energy and water efficient,
brownfields redevelopment is critical for         cleanup and redevelopment approaches to these 16                 such as those that are Leadership in Energy
addressing and responding to climate              communities across the country.                                  and Environmental Design (LEED®) or ENERGY
change.8                                                                                                           STAR® certified
                                                  There are many ways to enhance sustainability during          •	 Integrating green roofs
                                                  the brownfield revitalization process:                        •	 Improving stormwater management through green
                                                                                                                   infrastructure
                                                  •	 Green remediation practices that maximize the              •	 Integrating native landscaping
                                                     net environmental benefit of the cleanup                   •	 Utilizing the property for environmentally
                                                  •	 Comprehensive site planning that considers the                focused reuses such as transportation oriented
                                                     best use for the property, given its location and             development, renewable energy generation,
                                                     condition                                                     wetlands preservation or organic farming
                                                  •	 Recycling construction and demolition debris



Built on a former brownfield in Newark,            EPA Brownfields Sustainability Pilot Profile:
California, Ohlone College Newark Center           Houston, Texas - Solar Energy and Green Jobs
for Health Sciences and Technology uses
sustainable elements such as photovoltaic solar    The City of Houston’s EPA Sustainability Pilot helped
panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and        the city transform a former 300-acre landfill into a
recycled materials in its eco-friendly campus
                                                   solar power farm. Not only will this transformation
                                                   remove blight in a neighborhood just 10 minutes
                                                   from downtown Houston, it will revitalize the area,
                                                   meet a portion of the city’s electrical needs, and
                                                   bring new green jobs. EPA provided a technical,
                                                   regulatory, and financial analysis of this planned
                                                   project, which showed the solar farm to be technically
                                                   and environmentally feasible. This analysis will help
                                                   Houston make the landfill redevelopment project as
                                                   sustainable as possible when creating and operating
                                                   the renewable energy facility. To see how these
                                                   practices can be translated to your community, visit
                                                   www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/index.htm.
                                                                                                            The proposed solar farm
                                                                                                            Photo from Google maps


                 6
Community Benefits
                                                                                                                    “To go fast, go alone.
As a brownfield is revitalized, a variety of benefits    and neighborhood infrastructure. Figure 3 shows
can be realized throughout a community. A ripple         how the ripple effect from brownfield revitalization      To go far, go together.”
effect can occur that brings community benefits          becomes a catalyst to spread community benefits
                                                         beyond the original cleanup and property.                            African Proverb
for health, the environment, the local economy, a
community’s civic capacity, neighborhood identity,



                        Community Benefits of Brownfield Revitalization: A Ripple Effect




                                                                                                                 In St. Paul, Minnesota, the immigrant Hmong
                                                                                                                 community celebrates the groundbreaking of a
                                                                                                                 Hmong funeral home on a former brownfield.
                                                                                                                 A funeral is one of the most sacred traditional
                                                                                                                 rites in Hmong culture, and this redevelopment
                                                                                                                 project provides the community a place to honor
                                                                                                                 its culture and heritage.




Figure 3: The ripple effect of brownfields investment: Communities use brownfields funding to assess and
clean up their properties if needed. Through the property’s revitalization, jobs may be created, contamination
may be reduced, blight may be removed, surrounding property values may increase. This may cause a ripple
effect of additional community benefits.




                                                                                                                                             7
trees can reduce energy demand and heat island
                                                    Health and                                                effects while improving stormwater management
                                                                                                              and reducing certain air pollutants.
                                                    Environmental Benefits
                                                                                                            •	 Using	sustainable	construction	techniques,	
                                                                                                               equipment or materials to reduce material
                                                                                                               consumption, water and energy use also improves
                                                  Cleaning up a contaminated site reduces exposure             the community’s environmental health.
                                                  to contaminants not just onsite, but also offsite by
                                                  halting the migration of contamination into nearby        •	 Health	can	be	improved	if	a	walking	trail,	
                                                  air, soil and water. To date, nearly 400 properties          supermarket or community health clinic is located
                                                  have been cleaned up using EPA Brownfields funding,          on a former brownfield site; this can improve
From brownfields to soccer fields - Atlanta
                                                  helping to improve the health of the surrounding             access to exercise, fresh food or health care and
youth have a new place to exercise. Photo after
(above) and before (below) redevelopment.         communities and environment.9 The following                  services that may not have previously existed.
                                                  highlights the many health and environmental              •	 Turning	a	former	brownfield	into	some	form	of	
                                                  benefits that are associated with brownfields projects:      greenspace—such as restored habitat, wetlands,
                                                  •	 Exposure to contamination is reduced or                   parks, forests or trails—can improve the aesthetics
                                                     eliminated.                                               of the area as well as physical and mental health.
                                                                                                               Residents can have a place for physical movement
                                                  •	 Brownfields	reuse	is	a proven smart growth                and access to nature, which provides them with
                                                     approach that has been linked with a reduction in         physical and mental health benefits.
                                                     vehicle miles traveled which in turn improves air
                                                     quality and reduces associated health risks such       •	 Planting gardens provides access to healthy
                                                     as asthma.10 Reusing a brownfield in an area with         food and reduces stress as they provide a calm,
                                                     existing development can enhance neighborhood             restorative feeling shown to improve health.11
                                                     walkability by providing additional services close        These less tangible quality of life characteristics
                                                     to other amenities.                                       are often what define a community as a great
                                                                                                               place to live.
                                                  •	 Reusing	brownfield	property	also	eases
                                                     development pressure on greenfields, which are         •	 Planting trees can improve the feel of
                                                     critical for maintaining healthy watersheds and           communities while absorbing and sequestering
                                                     providing forestry products.                              carbon, regulating temperature, and absorbing rain
                                                                                                               or snow to reduce runoff.12 Trees provide shade for
                                                  •	 Pedestrian-friendly	developments	provide places           buildings during the summer, which can reduce
                                                     for residents to interact, enjoy the outdoors and         energy bills by 15 to 35 percent compared to
                                                     exercise.                                                 streets that are not shaded.13
                                                  •	 Sustainable	redevelopment	projects	that	include	a	
                                                     green building, permeable pavement, or additional

                8
•	 Certain	types	of	brownfield	reuse	can	also	create
                                                            green jobs. Architecture, design, engineering,        Green jobs are positions in agriculture,
   Economic Benefits                                        construction, agriculture-related, renewable          manufacturing, research and development,
                                                            energy manufacturing, environmental services and      administrative, and service activities aimed
                                                                                                                  at alleviating the myriad environmental
                                                            consulting, and energy efficiency companies that
                                                                                                                  threats faced by humanity.16 Jobs
                                                            locate on a former brownfield can all provide green   associated with brownfield revitalization
Brownfields cleanup and redevelopment is a primary
                                                            jobs.                                                 (e.g., assessment and/or cleanup) are
driver for attracting investment and business to
                                                                                                                  considered green jobs, as are the jobs
communities that may otherwise be overlooked. With                                                                created through the site’s reuse if they are
                                                         •	 All	types	of	new jobs create a multiplier effect:
environmental uncertainties addressed, property                                                                   aimed at addressing environmental threats.
                                                            workers spend more money in the area in which
owners face reduced liability and new incentives
                                                            they work, further boosting the local economy.
for property redevelopment. The successful
                                                            In addition, numerous studies have shown the
transformation of one property may encourage
                                                            direct link between property improvement and the
interest and development in the surrounding area.
                                                            increase in surrounding property values.15 Those
                                                            who have been invested in the neighborhood for
Brownfields redevelopment also demonstrates
                                                            years can benefit as their homes and businesses
significant potential to generate new green jobs for
                                                            increase in value. As property values and incomes
environmental professionals who assess and clean up
                                                            increase, the local tax base likewise increases,
properties. EPA’s investment in communities through
                                                            potentially translating into improved services for
its Brownfields grants helped to leverage more than
                                                            the community.
54,000 jobs related to property assessment, cleanup
and reuse.14 The following highlights many of the
other economic benefits associated with brownfields        Capacity Building
projects:                                                  Benefits                                               Residents participate in a Winston-Salem, North
                                                                                                                  Carolina Job Training Program funded by an EPA
•	 Some	types	of	brownfield	reuse	can	create jobs                                                                 Brownfields grant
   that increase local income and decrease poverty       Enhancing the capacity building of individuals and       Photo courtesy of Tim Brinkley
   rates in the surrounding area, thus providing         public, nonprofit and private organizations provides
   financial stability to residents. For example,        long-term benefits to the community beyond a single
   the Johnstown, Pennsylvania Redevelopment             brownfield project. Improving social connectivity
   Authority used its EPA Brownfields Assessment         gives neighbors the chance to get to know one
   grant to transform a former automotive part store     another and lays the foundation for future local
   into a bioscience facility, creating 27 new well-     collaboration. Many of these benefits have already
   paying jobs. Johnstown has been successful in         been described on pages two through four of this
   transforming additional neighboring properties into   report. Other benefits include:
   productive reuses, restoring an entire area and
   bringing clean industry and jobs back to the city.    •	 Opportunities	to	foster environmental justice

                                                                                                                                              9
by leveraging new investment and jobs in                 achievement, civic participation and well-being.
Community capacity building provides an         distressed communities. It also improves the local       Brownfields often provide ideal locations to
opportunity for all people, regardless of       environment and provides a stronger degree of            integrate housing options close to other services,
culture or income, to have equal access         protection from environmental and health hazards.        which helps reduce vacancies, improve health and
to the decision making process.
                                                                                                         strengthen neighborhoods. Redevelopment also
                                              •	 Some	brownfields	redevelopments	can	provide	
Engaged communities build the social                                                                     provides housing opportunities for those providing
                                                 opportunities for enhanced education. In Shelby,
capital to:                                                                                              local goods or services such as teachers, police
                                                 Montana, a Brownfields Cleanup grant will allow
  •	Reduce	crime                                                                                         officers or nurses.
  •	Improve	public	health                        a former high school to be redeveloped as a
  •	Improve	educational	opportunities            community center, giving residents a place for
                                                                                                       •	 Residential development that is coupled with
  •	Promote	prosperity	and	economic	             social interaction and education. The basement
    growth17                                                                                              public open spaces (e.g., parks, plazas) provides
                                                 of the building will also serve as a Head Start
                                                                                                          an opportunity for residents to socialize and share
                                                 and alternative adult education facility to serve a
                                                                                                          information and learn about their community.
                                                 wide range of educational needs. Those who are
                                                                                                          Simple landscape and building improvements
                                                 educated and better informed are then able to
                                                                                                          beautify a neighborhood, generate resident pride
                                                 contribute back to their community.
                                                                                                          and make it a more attractive destination for
                                                                                                          activity and entertainment.
                                                Neighborhood Benefits                                  •	 Decreasing blight and increasing social
                                                                                                          connections can help improve community safety;
                                                                                                          there are fewer abandoned buildings where crime
                                              The redevelopment of a single brownfield property           can take place and there is more monitoring by
                                              may be what a community needs to revitalize an              those who feel connected to and invested in their
                                              entire neighborhood. Physical improvements to a             neighborhood.
In Greensburg, Kansas, residents plan their   redeveloped brownfield property can help redefine a
new green city after it was destroyed by a
tornado                                       neighborhood and re-establish a sense of place. In
                                              some cases, brownfields redevelopment can prompt           Greensburg, Kansas: Linking Disaster Recovery
                                              neighbors to improve their properties and create a         and Sustainable Planning
                                              positive ripple effect throughout community. Other         The City of Greensburg, Kansas (population 1,500) and
                                              neighborhood benefits include:                             Kiowa County were destroyed by a tornado in 2007. Since
                                                                                                         this tragedy, the state and local government are rebuilding
                                                                                                         a more sustainable future for the community. As the
                                              •	 Providing market-rate and/or affordable housing         community is being reconstructed as a LEED® Platinum
                                                                                                         City, the entire neighborhood is being revitalized. Learning
                                                 is crucial to ensuring a stable, healthy and            from this example, other communities are linking disaster
                                                 accessible community. Brownfields redevelopment         recovery efforts with the need to create more sustainable
                                                 has been linked with increased rates of home            communities, including several in Iowa and others in Texas
                                                                                                         impacted by flooding, hurricanes and extreme weather
                                                 ownership, which has, in turn, been linked to an        events.
                                                 increase in characteristics such as educational

               10
2. Brownfields Reuse Creates Community Benefits
                                                                                                                   EPA Brownfields-funded agriculture
                                                                                                                   projects include:
Turning an underused property into a community            The rising environmental movement in the 1960s
asset creates a range of health, environmental and        and 1970s saw the beginnings of small localized            •	 Bellow Falls, VT, Farmers Market
                                                                                                                     •	 Glens Falls, NY, Farmers Market
economic benefits.                                        efforts to promote healthy, sustainable, locally grown
                                                                                                                     •	 New Britain, CT, Urban Farm
                                                          and organic foods. Many people rediscovered the            •	 Sacramento, CA, Community Garden
This section of the report highlights four major          environmental benefits of smaller sustainable farms,       •	 Saginaw, MI, Farmers Market
brownfield reuse themes that provide widespread           organic farming and local gardens. The recent energy
benefits to communities. These four categories are:       crises also highlight the connection between food
agriculture and food system uses, arts and culture        prices and fuel prices because of the fertilizers,
uses, housing and mixed uses, and community and           pesticides, energy intensive farm equipment, and
civic uses. Case studies for each of these reuses         food transportation system needed to support large-
illustrate many of the community benefits, and            scale agriculture. Today’s agriculture and food system
examples of organizations or resources that can           accounts for approximately 19 percent of all fossil
enhance brownfields cleanup and revitalization            energy used in the United States.18
projects are also highlighted.
                                                          The growing awareness of sustainability and healthier
                                                          foods has piqued public interest and created a desire
 Agriculture and Food                                     to integrate food systems and agriculture back into
                                                          local communities. This interest is reflected in the
                                                                                                                   Farmers Market in Bellows Falls, Vermont


 System Uses                                              rising demand for land in urban areas to support local
                                                          food production, community supported agriculture
                                                          (CSA) and farmers markets. This movement to
Perhaps nothing connects us more to our local             support and strengthen local farms and reintroduce
environment, the seasons and our community than           food production into neighborhoods provides
the food we prepare and eat daily. Agriculture and        increased demand for land near populated areas.
food systems have long played a dominant role in          Brownfields redevelopment is a prime opportunity to
shaping our economy, job opportunities, energy use        support agriculture and food systems because many
and where we live.                                        brownfields are small parcels of land within urban
                                                          areas that can be used as community food or flower
The emergence of an industrial and manufacturing          gardens, urban farms and farmers markets.
economy caused dramatic demographic shifts as jobs
were created in urban areas. During the post World        The need for locally produced food may be
War II economic boom, the number of smaller farms         particularly pressing in “food deserts,” where
declined greatly as large-scale industrial agricultural   physical or economic barriers prevent access to
met an increasing demand to boost crop yields for         healthy food.20 In these areas, there are often no
expanding domestic and export markets.                    full service grocery stores and few healthy food
                                                                                                                                              11
choices available to residents. Figure 4 tracks EPA                             Farming helped turn vacant land into gardens. After
Did you know?                                 Brownfields, Superfund, Resources Conservation                                  testing the soil to ensure there was no contamination,
•	 Food transportation costs add $113         and Recovery Act (RCRA), and Landfill Methane                                   the Linwood and Gladstone Garden, one of the
   billion to the cost of U.S. food.          Outreach Program sites against food deserts in the                              largest community gardens in the city, was planted
•	 120 million tons of carbon dioxide are
                                              City of Baltimore that could be potentially used for                            and is maintained by local volunteers to provide free
   emitted from transportation of U.S. food   food production projects. Several EPA Brownfields                               vegetables to community members and local food
   annually.19                                grantees used grant monies to assess and clean up                               banks.
•	 Developing local food, including those     properties for use as farmers markets or community                              There are countless additional examples throughout
   on former brownfields, reduces the         gardens.                                                                        the country of reusing properties to grow and provide
   environmental impacts from long
                                              Across the country, there are many organizations                                better access for residents to acquire food locally.
   distance transportation of food.
                                              working to provide access to locally grown food.                                Another example, “Plant a Row for the Hungry,”22
                                              In Detroit, Michigan, an organization called Urban                              is one of many efforts to enlist home gardeners in
                                                                                                                              growing additional vegetables for donation to the local
                                                    EPA-Tracked Sites Present Opportunities                                   food bank.
                                                           to Address Food Deserts                                            While not every property may be suitable for an
                                                                                                                              agricultural or food systems reuse, many small
                                                                           I-83                                               urban parcels can serve as community food or flower
                                                                                                                              gardens, urban farms, farmers markets, and provide
                                                                                                                              additional environmental benefits. The following case
                                                                                                                              studies illustrate that brownfields can help improve
                                                                                            !
                                                                                                                  !           the health of a community.

                                                                        !                                             !
                                                                                                              !
                                                                                    !                             !
                                                                                            !
                                                                                     I-95
                                                                                !
                                                                                !                                             Soil Sampling is Critical in Food Production Projects
                                                                    !         !
                                                                            ! !                                    !
                                                                                                                          !
                                                                                                                               All projects involving food production and gardening
                                                                                                895                            should conduct Phase I environmental site assessments,
                                                                                        !             !                        soil sampling, and testing before planting. Tests for pH,
                                                                                                      !                        organic content and key nutrients are needed as well
                                                           Food Deserts*                        !                              as potential environmental contaminants. Alternatively,
                                                           Unpopulated Areas and Parks
                                                                                                          !    !
                                                                                                              !                urban and brownfield gardeners may wish to grow above
                                                           EPA-Tracked Sites

                                                                                                                          ±
                                                                                                                               ground hydroponically or in greenhouses.
                                                                                  0 0.5 1       2     3       4
                                                           Major Highways
                                                       !
                                                                                                               Miles           It is important to ensure that soils are not only safe,
                                                                                                                               but adequate for growing. Soils can be reconditioned
                                                                                                                               for food production through the addition of organic
                                                Figure 4: In Baltimore, Maryland, many EPA-
                                                                                                                               materials, leaf mulch, or food waste compost to increase
                                                tracked sites are located in or nearby food deserts.                           water absorption for better stormwater management soil
                                                Redeveloping these sites for a food production or                              biodiversity, and carbon sequestration.
                                                sale may allieviate food desert conditions.21
              12
Case Study: Urban Oaks Organic Farm - New Britain, CT
Urban farm helps to create a safe, livable community                                                                          “Shopping at Urban Oaks is a
                                                                                                                              social thing. Urban Oaks is like
The City of New Britain, Connecticut,                                                                                         a scene from decades ago, the
laid the foundation for transforming
one of its poorest, most dangerous                                                                                            customers know all the farmers,
neighborhoods by revitalizing a                                                                                               everyone greets each other, and
brownfield as an urban farm and                                                                                               the food is fresh and chemical
community garden. Urban Oaks
Organic Farm, one of the first urban                                                                                          free—besides, I like supporting
organic farms in the United States                                                                                            the local economy.”
and the largest urban organic farm in
the Northeast, was developed in the
violent crime-ridden North Oak Street
                                                                                                                                    Local resident and
Neighborhood.                                                                                                                      patron of Urban Oaks
In 1997, an EPA Brownfields
Assessment grant and an EPA Cleanup
grant in 2003 provided the initial
financial backing to assess and clean
                                            space, tools, seeds, water and            visit a neighbor.” This multi-year
up the three-acre urban brownfield
                                            technical assistance are all provided     brownfields revitalization project
property. In addition to the EPA
                                            at no cost to gardeners. These            helped restore the fabric of the city
funding, the project used funds from
                                            activities provide unique educational     and improve local safety.
the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development, the Connecticut          opportunities for underserved inner
Department of Economic and                  city residents to learn about farming
                                            and gardening techniques.                    Benefits
Community Development, the City of                                                       •	 Cleaned	up	a	three-acre	
New Britain, and local foundations.         New Britain Chief of Police and                 urban brownfield
The farm serves as a source of              life-long resident, William Gagliardi,
employment for the local community—         explained that, “prior to the cleanup        •	 Provides	walking	access	
many of the farm’s six full-time and        and redevelopment of the urban                  to affordable, locally
ten part-time employees are residents       brownfields located within the North            grown organic produce
in the North Oak Street neighborhood.       Oak Street neighborhood, violent
Additionally, each summer, Urban Oaks       crime was at an all time high, the area      •	 Provides	hands-on	
invites 10 local teenagers to participate   had more gangs per capita then any              agricultural training
in a 10-week, paid position that offers     where else in U.S. Many long-time               and education to local
hands-on organic and sustainable            residents left the neighborhood—                youth allowing them to
farming educational training. The farm      while others stayed locked in their             connect with the land
provides ongoing education for residents    houses. Today, the gang problem
and school groups in organic gardening      has been greatly reduced—violent             •	 Catalyzed	neighborhood	
methods, sustainable agriculture, non-      crime is approaching zero percent,              redevelopment to
toxic farming techniques, composting,       while overall crime has been reduced            reduce crime rates
and other environmentally-friendly          by 25 to 33 percent—which has
farming techniques.                         greatly changed the character of             •	 Provides	a	safe	
                                            the neighborhood. Folk who left the             community gathering
To put this knowledge to practical use,     neighborhood are moving back and                space that improves
Urban Oaks created a one-acre, 30-plot      new people are moving in, residents             social connectivity
neighborhood garden where gardening         feel safe walking to Urban Oaks or to

                                                                                                                                                 13
“It is one of the ironies of         Case Study: Greensgrow Farm - Philadelphia, PA
                                      An urban brownfield grows green
 urban agricultural development
 that these former industrial
                                      Established in 1997, Greensgrow
 sites, often called “brownfields”    opened on a former industrial lot
 are in fact some of the best         in a Philadelphia, Pennyslvania,
 choices for locating a new           neighborhood, which is a mixed use
                                      residential-commercial-industrial area.
 urban agricultural business.”        Greensgrow operates on the one-acre
                                      brownfield site as a hydroponic garden,
            www.greensgrow.org        starting with growing lettuce for
                                      restaurants. Greensgrow has blossomed
                                      in the 12 years since its conception,
                                      with the property now hosting raised
                                      beds of organic soil filled with
                                      numerous vegetable and herb plants,
                                      a farm stand and a nursery. Shoppers
                                      can pick up peppers, squash, figs,
                                      eggplants, lettuce, tomatoes and many
                                      kinds of herbs just to name a few.         Local residents are able to walk to       of gardening including composting
                                                                                 the garden to purchase fresh and          lessons, bee-keeping, organic
                                      In the 1980s, a former steel galvanizing   locally grown produce and plants,         gardening and green roofs. The staff’s
                                      plant closed, leaving behind significant   creating a true community feel in         most recent endeavor was to start
                                      soil contamination and health concerns     a space which was once tainted by         making biodiesel fuel out of old frying
                                      in the community. In 1993, the EPA         industrial uses. Greensgrow achieved      oil retrieved from their local restaurant
                                      Superfund program stepped in to            their mission of connecting city          customers during produce deliveries.
                                      address the property. The building and     residents with better food options
                                      contaminated soils were removed from       that are easily accessible and grown           Benefits
Flowers for sale at Greensgrow Farm   the property, leaving only the concrete    locally. Greensgrow not only grows its         •	 Cleaned	up	a	one-acre	
                                      slab foundation. Greensgrow selected       own vegetables and herbs onsite, but              brownfield
                                      hydroponic gardens help to protect         also offers venues for the products
                                      human health and the environment           from other local growers. Additionally,        •	 Provided	access	to	
                                      and preserve the concrete slab             a nursery on the property offers a                fresh, local, and
                                      foundation site cap. Once the local        wide range of plants and seedlings                affordable produce and
                                      Community Development Corporation          and their beehives produce fresh                  plants to low-income
                                      bought the property, they rented it to     honey for consumers. While                        community
                                      Greensgrow for $150 a month, a rent        Greensgrow offers a wide selection
                                      they still pay each month. This low        of products onsite for community               •	 Provided	education	
                                      rent shows the commitment to provide       members, some of the fresh, locally               opportunities on
                                      necessary beneficial services to the       grown produce also is delivered to                sustainable agriculture
                                      surrounding low-income Kensington          local Philadelphia restaurants.
                                      community. Now with more than                                                             •	 Demonstrated	
                                      10 employees and volunteers at the         As the garden has grown over the                  environmental
                                      property, Greensgrow continues to reach    years, so has its offerings onsite.               stewardship in business
                                      more people in the community, as well      The staff offers special educational              management practices
                                      as the Philadelphia region.                sessions to teach about many aspects


               14
Community Benefits of                                      Improved Community Space
Agriculture and Food System Uses                           Gardens and farmers markets provide community              Community or neighborhood gardens
                                                           gathering spaces and are local economic engines,           have been shown to help reverse
Improved Access to Nutritious and Healthy Foods            allowing residents to interact and enjoy their
Community gardens allow residents to grow fresh, local                                                                urban decline by:
                                                           neighborhood, while also helping support local
and often organic food, leading to a better diet and       farmers and the local economy. Communities                 •	 Increasing occupancy rates
lifestyle that can improve public health and reduce        interested in starting a farmers market may be             •	 Increasing income
disease. Gardening can also increase physical activity,    eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)         •	 Decreasing poverty rates30
something of great need in a nation where nearly two       grants to assist efforts. In addition, state legislation
thirds of urban residents do not have access to a local    to support local agriculture has been proposed in a
park or open space for recreation.23 Lack of access to     number of states to meet market demand. A county
nutritious and affordable food is a fundamental public     in Iowa has enacted policies to rebate 100 percent of
health and quality of life issue that can be corrected     real property taxes to farmers who convert to organic
through brownfield revitalization.                         production, and to support local and organic food
Increased Home and Property Values                         purchases in county institutional settings.
Research in Philadelphia concludes that community
                                                           Improved Access to Local Gardening
gardens and planting trees can increase or stabilize
                                                           and Food Production
the value of neighboring properties or rental income.24
                                                           Increasing seed sales and membership in gardening
This provides an additional economic incentive for
                                                           groups signal growing interest in agricultural
garden creation and tree planting reuses as well as
                                                           activities.26 Today, 71 percent of American
creating produce, flowers and greenspace. In St.
                                                           households engage in some type of lawn or gardening
Louis, Missouri, areas surrounding gardens experience
                                                           activity27 and there are an estimated five million         Somerville, Massachusetts, used their
increased home values;25 even those who do not                                                                        Brownfields Cleanup grant to help create a
                                                           organic gardeners.28 Web sites such as Sharing
directly use the property are benefiting from its                                                                     community garden
                                                           Backyards link people with unused yard space to
effective reuse.
                                                           individuals looking for a place to grow food. More
Improved Retail and Small Business Opportunities           information can be found at www.sharingbackyards.
In many urban areas across the county, and                 com.
particularly in low-income neighborhoods, many
                                                           Improved Opportunities to Meet Demand for
studies conclude that there is a lack of full-service
                                                           Organic Food
grocery stores with fresh food. Residents in these
                                                           Since the late 1990s, U.S. organic production has
neighborhoods are less likely to own a vehicle and
                                                           more than doubled, and organic food sales have
must rely on the food retail locations that are within
                                                           more than quintupled. More than two-thirds of U.S.
walking distance. Instead, residents often go to
                                                           consumers buy organic products at least occasionally,
convenience stores which tend to offer foods of lower
                                                           and 28 percent buy organic products weekly,
quality and lower nutritional value and often at higher
                                                           according to the Organic Trade Association. Organic
prices. Brownfields revitalization can play an important
                                                           products are now available in nearly 20,000 natural
role in providing viable locations for grocery stores or
                                                           food stores and nearly three quarters of conventional
small fresh food markets, filling urban market gaps.
                                                           grocery stores.29 More information can be found at
                                                           www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/organic/demand.htm.
                                                                                                                                                   15
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization
Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization

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Building Vibrant Communities: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization

  • 1. B U I L D I N G V I B R A N T C O M M U N I T I E S: COMMUNITY BENEFITS OF LAND REVITALIZATION 1
  • 2. Foreword In 1993, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency partners, who we highlight throughout the report. (EPA) launched a small pilot program called The purpose of this report is to help us all rethink, “brownfields” with an initial grant of $200,000 to make new connections, and broaden our idea of the Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Through this pilot, a seven resources available to clean up brownfields properties, acre site was assessed and cleaned up, 141 jobs revitalize our communities, create new economic were created, and two sites were created for healthy opportunities, and improve our nation’s environment new businesses. It also sparked a movement to clean and health. In 1998, EPA awarded its first Brownfields up and redevelop idled, underused, abandoned, and Job Training grants. JFYNetWorks in Boston, vacant properties throughout the country. I understand that in today’s economic conditions, Massachusetts, used this funding to train brownfield tools are needed more than ever to community members to become environmental technicians. Today, the EPA Brownfields Program has changed the clean up and redevelop brownfield properties for landscape of America’s communities and transformed sustainable uses that create local jobs. EPA has to once vacant properties into beacons of hope for many meet that challenge by working and listening to local economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.To date, communities, fostering public-private partnerships, the program has provided more than 2,500 grants and providing flexibility in our resources. I look to totaling more than $600 million in direct funding you to challenge us as to how EPA and the Federal to communities, which leveraged an additional Government can assist you to help revitalize local $12 billion from other sources to assess, clean up communities. and reuse brownfields. This investment has yielded more than 54,000 jobs – many in disadvantaged Mathy Stanislaus communities. While these statistics are impressive, EPA Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste and there is also a broad range of additional community- Emergency Response wide benefits that can result from the redevelopment and reuse of brownfield properties. This report highlights these other community benefits and potential redevelopment opportunities to create more vibrant, healthy, safe, and sustainable communities. Specifically, the report highlights Prepared under: the potential use of brownfields for agriculture and Contract No. EP-W-07-023 food systems, arts and culture, housing and mixed uses, and other community and civic uses such as Prepared for: greenspace, schools, and health care facilities. Of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency course, these benefits and the Brownfields Program Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response itself could not occur without our numerous federal, Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization state, municipal, nonprofit, and private sector Washington, D.C. 20460
  • 3. BUILDING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES: Community Benefits of Land Revitalization Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Section 1: Successful Brownfields Redevelopment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 EPA Brownfields Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Engaging Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Enhancing Sustainability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Community Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Health and Environmental Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Economic Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Capacity Building Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Neighborhood Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Section 2: Brownfields Reuse Creates Community Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Agriculture and Food System Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Arts and Culture Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Housing and Mixed Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Community and Civic Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Section 3: Summary and Looking Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 i
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  • 5. Introduction “A brownfield is a grain An abandoned factory, a boarded up corner gas Brownfields revitalization has been successful—not station, a run down mill. In communities across the just at individual properties, but block-by-block and of sand around which country, we see brownfields of every shape and size. beyond. There are hundreds of examples where the the pearl of It is hard to miss the graffiti-laced walls, the broken clearing of environmental concerns at one distressed community develops.” windows, the caved in roofs. It is equally hard to property paved the way for the property to return to dismiss the unknown environmental contaminants productive reuse. We see dozens of examples where Clark Henry – Brownfields Coordinator, and health hazards brownfields can pose. blight is reversed with regeneration—where one City of Portland, Oregon property’s reuse spurs community-wide revitalization. Degradation often spreads beyond the boundary of Sidewalks and streets are improved. Trees and flowers one property to blight an entire neighborhood or are planted. New lighting is installed. A community community. Surrounding streets become stagnant center gets refurbished. Businesses and residents and unsafe. Concerns about safety and crime return to the area. The ripple effects can spread rates increase. Residents and businesses move through the community—fear and crime rates fall, out. Property values decline. Retirees, residents, access to services and healthcare improves, property business owners, and employees that remain behind values increase, a tax base is restored. may need to go further to access goods or services. The inspiration and creativity that formed the What is it that distinguishes one property cleanup neighborhood’s original vibrancy can fade away. and reuse success from another, and what stimulates change well beyond its original property lines? Fortunately, more than two decades ago, civic leaders What creates a safer environment and an economic began working to reclaim their communities. The resurgence while creating a healthier and more nation embarked on an experiment in environmental sustainable community? Answering those questions is Redevelopment is underway at Portland, protection, involving aspects of environmental justice Oregon’s South Waterfront the next part of the brownfields experiment. Will you and economic development, to address the growing be one of the next generation of brownfield leaders? challenge of cleaning up and revitalizing brownfield properties. Environmental justice advocates and We hope this report motivates and inspires citizens, citizen groups rallied to reverse the decline of developers, urban planners, non-governmental neighborhoods. Cities, states, nonprofit organizations organization (NGO) leaders, academics, policy and tribal nations responded, and public and private makers, business owners, and community developers saw a market opportunity. EPA began a development, environmental, and health officials pilot program to provide seed money to catalyze this to explore the possibilities. This report highlights movement, and other federal agencies retooled their the important, yet sometimes less tangible benefits funding and assistance to aid the cause. that brownfields redevelopment can bring to your community. iii
  • 6. Introduction continued... This report provides only a small sampling of the Join those communities that have reinvigorated many brownfield community collaborations— their land and built vibrant, healthy, sustainable through case studies and several anecdotal stories communities. as well as photos and external research—to give you a sense of what is possible. We provide resource links and information about innovative partnerships to spur your imagination. In addition to supporting and becoming involved in brownfields revitalization, you can strengthen your community right now by doing the following: • Participate in a community garden • Use public transportation • Volunteer with a local organization • Celebrate your community’s history • Improve your home’s curb appeal • Work with community leaders on a • Start a new business blighted property • Support your local farmers market • Speak up for your neighborhood • Meet your neighbors • Save a historic building • Organize social activities on your street • Help to create community greenspace • Attend community events and meetings • Participate in cultural activities • Walk to your local park • Support activities at local schools iv
  • 7. 1. Successful Brownfields Redevelopment A brownfield is a property affected by real or perceived contamination that inhibits Brownfield properties are diverse. They come in all As shown in Figure 1, approximately 2,500 grants redevelopment. sizes—from a fraction of an acre to hundreds of have been awarded across the country since 1995. acres. They are located in urban, suburban and rural In addition, these grants total more than $600 Land revitalization refers to the process locations. Some properties may have little to no million in direct funding to communities, enabling of assessing a property for contamination, cleaning up contamination (if found), and contamination, while others require cleanup to ensure these communities to leverage an additional $12 returning the property to productive use. protection of the community and environmental billion from other sources to assess, clean up and health. Contamination at these properties—whether reuse brownfields. perceived or actual—can cause them to lay idle, underused, abandoned or vacant; this can lead In addition to the funding and support provided EPA’s Brownfields Program has enabled: to blight and disinvestment in neighborhoods or by EPA’s Brownfields Program, there are numerous communities. state, tribal, local, private and nonprofit partners • Assessment of more than 14,000 properties that provide funding and technical support to assess, • Cleanup of nearly 400 properties This section provides a brief overview of the U.S. clean up and revitalize brownfield properties. • Creation of more than 54,000 jobs EPA’s Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization • Employment of 3,300 Job Training (OBLR) Brownfields Program and the broader graduates2 community benefits that can occur from brownfields revitalization. This section also highlights the Data current as of 8/24/2009 importance of community involvement and EPA Brownfields Program Grants incorporating elements of sustainability to ensure these broader community benefits. 3,000 2,500 2,000 EPA Brownfields Program 1,500 Grants In many cases, brownfield properties remain vacant 1,000 or idle because of a lack of funding to assess or 500 Funding clean up the property. In response, EPA’s OBLR 0 ($M illions) provides grants to communities, states and tribes to 2009 2003 2005 2007 1995 1997 1999 2001 assess and clean up brownfields. OBLR also provides grants to train local residents in the technical skills necessary to become environmental professionals Figure 1: Since 1995, the number of Brownfields that obtain jobs in local brownfields redevelopment grants awarded yearly has increased tenfold.1 projects near them. 1
  • 8. As shown in Figure 2, the EPA Brownfields Program Engaging Communities “It offers a sense of and its partners have leveraged almost $12 billion and created 54,000 jobs. Brownfield projects that receive government funding community pride... require public notice and community involvement. if people feel they These communities reach out to and involve have some input and EPA Brownfields Grants stakeholders before, during and after receiving control in a project Leverage Jobs and Funding funding to ensure success. Community members and local stakeholders can learn, share information and like this, that is 60,000 shape brownfields cleanup and redevelopment while planting a seed for 50,000 also fostering a new generation of community leaders. ownership in the future.” 40,000 By creating a dialogue among all stakeholders in a brownfields project, community engagement Tito Molino – West End Community 30,000 Development Council, enhances the final reuse of the property and the Jobs Bridgeport, Connecticut 20,000 long-term success of the project. Individuals and organizations also build lasting working relationships 10,000 Funding and stronger community ties. EPA also recognizes 0 ($Millions) that community engagement is a vital process to help alleviate environmental justice concerns for citizens 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 in economically disadvantaged areas and give them a voice in their community’s future. Figure 2: As more brownfields are redeveloped, more jobs are created for the community.3 Early community engagement may also identify reuses preferred by local stakeholders to fill key Working together, brownfields revitalization partners market gaps or provide needed services. For example, across the country have made a substantial impact residents may identify vital, but overlooked, services in terms of dollars invested and leveraged, properties in the community—such as a full service grocery cleaned up and jobs created. store, park, bank, senior housing or pharmacy that may not otherwise be developed. In addition to these measures of success, a variety of broader community beliefs have been realized. Often, Successful community engagement results in these benefits are linked to brownfields revitalization stakeholders identifying new ideas that gain projects that successfully engage participation of community support, minimize conflict and reduce the community before and during the redevelopment delays in project completion. All these factors can process. save time and money for the property owner and developer, and assure the long-term success of the project for the entire community. 2
  • 9. Participating in the local decision–making process support their project. This builds civic capacity and empowers and inspires residents to continue helps strengthen bonds among neighbors, creating a U.S. EPA CARE Program their public participation and address issues in more tightly knit community. their community beyond the original brownfields EPA’s CARE Program helps to project. A community’s youth is often a huge This increased civic capacity provides the develop community based solutions source of untapped creativity that may provide a groundwork for future neighborhood collaboration to environmental issues. CARE grant recipients engage all members of the fresh perspective on ways to address brownfields. and revitalization of the community. Learning about community and create local partnerships For example, the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, and participating in local decision making can to access a broad range of viewpoints and New York developed the Brownfields Buster patch, inspire residents to remain engaged and address services so that the entire community which is earned by learning about brownfields in the other important issues in their community. decides how best to deal with its community and suggesting ideas for redevelopment. environmental issues. Find out more at www.epa.gov/care. Youth involvement and engagement can also create a The following case study of Market Creek Plaza in new generation of community leaders. San Diego, California highlights a highly innovative community engagement process that included a The brownfields redevelopment process allows public, community development initial public offering. community and private sector stakeholders to forge new partnerships, and access new resources to Community engagement experts recommend that the process: Through the CARE Program in Marquette, Michigan, volunteers collect e-waste to prevent • Include the promise that the public’s contribution improper disposal or dumping will influence the decision • Communicate the interests and meets the process needs of all participants • Seek out and facilitate the involvement of those potentially affected • Involve participants in defining how they participate • Provide participants with the information they need to participate in a meaningful way The more people and viewpoints represented in the • Communicate to participants how their input brownfields redevelopment process, the more information communities have to identify the best property reuse. At affected the decision4 a Greensburg, Kansas, design charrette, residents work together to develop a site plan. 3
  • 10. To find tools for public involvement, Case Study: Market Creek Plaza - San Diego, CA visit www.epa.gov/publicinvovlement/ Neighborhood group develops model for community ownership of neighborhood assets Involvement.htm. In an area once known as the ‘Four The Community-Development Initial For more information about the Jacobs Corners of Death’ in the distressed Public Offering (CD-IPO) was launched in Diamond Neighborhoods of San 2006, making it possible for community Benefits Center for Neighborhood Innovation, visit Diego, California, an abandoned residents to purchase ownership shares in www.jacobscenter.org, and for more Market Creek Partners, LLC. To date, the aerospace factory was transformed • Involved 3,000 adults information about the project, go to www. into a community hub called Market community owns 40 percent of Market and youth and eight marketcreekplaza.com. Creek Plaza. This mixed use center Creek Partners, LLC; the ultimate goal is design teams in the has become a community focal point, for 100 percent community ownership planning process incorporating cultural traditions, arts of this project. Owning a part of this and entertainment—with a grocery store, innovative project generated a sense of • Filled cultural, retail and restaurants, retail shops and essential pride and accomplishment throughout the grocery market gaps services. community. • Awarded $7.9 million A major component of the project’s The reuse of this brownfield strengthened dollars in contracts to success was its in-depth community community ties and established Market minority- or women- engagement process. Resident working Creek Plaza as a community gathering owned businesses teams partnered with the Jacobs Center place where neighbors can meet and enjoy for Neighborhood Innovation to plan, the fruits of their labor. Market Creek Plaza • 415 community design, build, lease and now own and is now a catalyst for local involvement and members and operate the Plaza. Planning began with other redevelopment projects. This process organizations now own a 800 neighborhood surveys, numerous serves as a model for other communities part of the development living room meetings, and several and demonstrates the value of partnership Neighbors attend a Market Creek community forums to assess what the and the power of eliminating blight to • Created 200 new jobs; planning meeting community needed. Top on the list was transform a neighborhood. 70 percent of them filled a major chain grocery store, followed by by residents restaurants, entertainment and living- wage jobs. • Restored 1,400 linear feet of wetlands Local residents participated in eight working teams to influence all elements • Generated $42 million of the project, from community outreach in economic activity in to building design. Residents were in 2008 charge of developing and implementing outreach and communication strategies. • Paid a full 10 percent This helped build capacity among annual return to Diamond resident leaders as they mobilized the Community Investors in larger community to participate in the 2007 and 2008 process. 4
  • 11. Enhancing Sustainability For more information on the Sustainable EPA supports innovative projects that incorporate is cleaned up. Property that was previously Sites Initiative, please go to their Web site at www.sustainablesites.org. sustainability into brownfields cleanup and underutilized due to the perception or existence redevelopment. Sustainability is often defined of contamination is restored to a higher and better as meeting the needs of the present without use. And greenfields that may otherwise have compromising the ability of future generations to been developed are left untouched. There are also meet their own needs.5 However, since the late approaches that can be integrated into brownfields 1980s, human resource use has exceeded the earth’s revitalization to improve sustainability. capacity to regenerate those resources.6 This means that globally, we are compromising the ability of Many brownfields partners and other organizations future generations to meet their needs. provide technical assistance and guidelines to promote more sustainable designs and features To reverse this trend and live sustainably, we must into redevelopment projects. For example, the reduce our impact on the environment, even as Sustainable Sites Initiative is a joint effort by we improve our social and economic conditions. the American Society of Landscape Architects, While this may be challenging, it is helpful to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the think of sustainability as a process and not as an United States Botanic Garden that establishes a endpoint. Many individual decisions to enhance set of guiding principles for sustainability.7 This sustainability will combine to reduce our impact on framework helps to show sustainability as a process At community gardens across the country, rain catchers improve stormwater management the environment and benefit the entire community. for enhancing human welfare while reducing harmful and double as public art. At one community The case studies presented throughout this report effects to the environment. garden, children help to install a rain catchment highlight sustainable features incorporated into each structure. property’s redevelopment. Many communities across the country revitalize Photo courtesy of Ashley Kyber brownfields to remove environmental contamination Cleaning up and revitalizing brownfields inherently and contribute to long-term sustainability. Some enhances sustainability. Through brownfields communities have made their cleanup process more revitalization, property that was once contaminated sustainable by reusing and recycling construction 5
  • 12. and demolition materials, while others make the • Reusing existing buildings, infrastructure, fixtures Did you know? property’s reuse sustainable by constructing green, and equipment energy efficient buildings. In 2008, EPA initiated • Using renewable and recyclable construction Greenfields and undeveloped land serve 16 Brownfields Sustainability Pilots to explore ways materials as a carbon sink, offsetting more than 10 to enhance sustainability by providing technical • Building new structures or retrofitting existing percent of our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting these areas through assistance for achieving greener assessment, structures to be energy and water efficient, brownfields redevelopment is critical for cleanup and redevelopment approaches to these 16 such as those that are Leadership in Energy addressing and responding to climate communities across the country. and Environmental Design (LEED®) or ENERGY change.8 STAR® certified There are many ways to enhance sustainability during • Integrating green roofs the brownfield revitalization process: • Improving stormwater management through green infrastructure • Green remediation practices that maximize the • Integrating native landscaping net environmental benefit of the cleanup • Utilizing the property for environmentally • Comprehensive site planning that considers the focused reuses such as transportation oriented best use for the property, given its location and development, renewable energy generation, condition wetlands preservation or organic farming • Recycling construction and demolition debris Built on a former brownfield in Newark, EPA Brownfields Sustainability Pilot Profile: California, Ohlone College Newark Center Houston, Texas - Solar Energy and Green Jobs for Health Sciences and Technology uses sustainable elements such as photovoltaic solar The City of Houston’s EPA Sustainability Pilot helped panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and the city transform a former 300-acre landfill into a recycled materials in its eco-friendly campus solar power farm. Not only will this transformation remove blight in a neighborhood just 10 minutes from downtown Houston, it will revitalize the area, meet a portion of the city’s electrical needs, and bring new green jobs. EPA provided a technical, regulatory, and financial analysis of this planned project, which showed the solar farm to be technically and environmentally feasible. This analysis will help Houston make the landfill redevelopment project as sustainable as possible when creating and operating the renewable energy facility. To see how these practices can be translated to your community, visit www.epa.gov/brownfields/sustain_plts/index.htm. The proposed solar farm Photo from Google maps 6
  • 13. Community Benefits “To go fast, go alone. As a brownfield is revitalized, a variety of benefits and neighborhood infrastructure. Figure 3 shows can be realized throughout a community. A ripple how the ripple effect from brownfield revitalization To go far, go together.” effect can occur that brings community benefits becomes a catalyst to spread community benefits beyond the original cleanup and property. African Proverb for health, the environment, the local economy, a community’s civic capacity, neighborhood identity, Community Benefits of Brownfield Revitalization: A Ripple Effect In St. Paul, Minnesota, the immigrant Hmong community celebrates the groundbreaking of a Hmong funeral home on a former brownfield. A funeral is one of the most sacred traditional rites in Hmong culture, and this redevelopment project provides the community a place to honor its culture and heritage. Figure 3: The ripple effect of brownfields investment: Communities use brownfields funding to assess and clean up their properties if needed. Through the property’s revitalization, jobs may be created, contamination may be reduced, blight may be removed, surrounding property values may increase. This may cause a ripple effect of additional community benefits. 7
  • 14. trees can reduce energy demand and heat island Health and effects while improving stormwater management and reducing certain air pollutants. Environmental Benefits • Using sustainable construction techniques, equipment or materials to reduce material consumption, water and energy use also improves Cleaning up a contaminated site reduces exposure the community’s environmental health. to contaminants not just onsite, but also offsite by halting the migration of contamination into nearby • Health can be improved if a walking trail, air, soil and water. To date, nearly 400 properties supermarket or community health clinic is located have been cleaned up using EPA Brownfields funding, on a former brownfield site; this can improve From brownfields to soccer fields - Atlanta helping to improve the health of the surrounding access to exercise, fresh food or health care and youth have a new place to exercise. Photo after (above) and before (below) redevelopment. communities and environment.9 The following services that may not have previously existed. highlights the many health and environmental • Turning a former brownfield into some form of benefits that are associated with brownfields projects: greenspace—such as restored habitat, wetlands, • Exposure to contamination is reduced or parks, forests or trails—can improve the aesthetics eliminated. of the area as well as physical and mental health. Residents can have a place for physical movement • Brownfields reuse is a proven smart growth and access to nature, which provides them with approach that has been linked with a reduction in physical and mental health benefits. vehicle miles traveled which in turn improves air quality and reduces associated health risks such • Planting gardens provides access to healthy as asthma.10 Reusing a brownfield in an area with food and reduces stress as they provide a calm, existing development can enhance neighborhood restorative feeling shown to improve health.11 walkability by providing additional services close These less tangible quality of life characteristics to other amenities. are often what define a community as a great place to live. • Reusing brownfield property also eases development pressure on greenfields, which are • Planting trees can improve the feel of critical for maintaining healthy watersheds and communities while absorbing and sequestering providing forestry products. carbon, regulating temperature, and absorbing rain or snow to reduce runoff.12 Trees provide shade for • Pedestrian-friendly developments provide places buildings during the summer, which can reduce for residents to interact, enjoy the outdoors and energy bills by 15 to 35 percent compared to exercise. streets that are not shaded.13 • Sustainable redevelopment projects that include a green building, permeable pavement, or additional 8
  • 15. • Certain types of brownfield reuse can also create green jobs. Architecture, design, engineering, Green jobs are positions in agriculture, Economic Benefits construction, agriculture-related, renewable manufacturing, research and development, energy manufacturing, environmental services and administrative, and service activities aimed at alleviating the myriad environmental consulting, and energy efficiency companies that threats faced by humanity.16 Jobs locate on a former brownfield can all provide green associated with brownfield revitalization Brownfields cleanup and redevelopment is a primary jobs. (e.g., assessment and/or cleanup) are driver for attracting investment and business to considered green jobs, as are the jobs communities that may otherwise be overlooked. With created through the site’s reuse if they are • All types of new jobs create a multiplier effect: environmental uncertainties addressed, property aimed at addressing environmental threats. workers spend more money in the area in which owners face reduced liability and new incentives they work, further boosting the local economy. for property redevelopment. The successful In addition, numerous studies have shown the transformation of one property may encourage direct link between property improvement and the interest and development in the surrounding area. increase in surrounding property values.15 Those who have been invested in the neighborhood for Brownfields redevelopment also demonstrates years can benefit as their homes and businesses significant potential to generate new green jobs for increase in value. As property values and incomes environmental professionals who assess and clean up increase, the local tax base likewise increases, properties. EPA’s investment in communities through potentially translating into improved services for its Brownfields grants helped to leverage more than the community. 54,000 jobs related to property assessment, cleanup and reuse.14 The following highlights many of the other economic benefits associated with brownfields Capacity Building projects: Benefits Residents participate in a Winston-Salem, North Carolina Job Training Program funded by an EPA • Some types of brownfield reuse can create jobs Brownfields grant that increase local income and decrease poverty Enhancing the capacity building of individuals and Photo courtesy of Tim Brinkley rates in the surrounding area, thus providing public, nonprofit and private organizations provides financial stability to residents. For example, long-term benefits to the community beyond a single the Johnstown, Pennsylvania Redevelopment brownfield project. Improving social connectivity Authority used its EPA Brownfields Assessment gives neighbors the chance to get to know one grant to transform a former automotive part store another and lays the foundation for future local into a bioscience facility, creating 27 new well- collaboration. Many of these benefits have already paying jobs. Johnstown has been successful in been described on pages two through four of this transforming additional neighboring properties into report. Other benefits include: productive reuses, restoring an entire area and bringing clean industry and jobs back to the city. • Opportunities to foster environmental justice 9
  • 16. by leveraging new investment and jobs in achievement, civic participation and well-being. Community capacity building provides an distressed communities. It also improves the local Brownfields often provide ideal locations to opportunity for all people, regardless of environment and provides a stronger degree of integrate housing options close to other services, culture or income, to have equal access protection from environmental and health hazards. which helps reduce vacancies, improve health and to the decision making process. strengthen neighborhoods. Redevelopment also • Some brownfields redevelopments can provide Engaged communities build the social provides housing opportunities for those providing opportunities for enhanced education. In Shelby, capital to: local goods or services such as teachers, police Montana, a Brownfields Cleanup grant will allow • Reduce crime officers or nurses. • Improve public health a former high school to be redeveloped as a • Improve educational opportunities community center, giving residents a place for • Residential development that is coupled with • Promote prosperity and economic social interaction and education. The basement growth17 public open spaces (e.g., parks, plazas) provides of the building will also serve as a Head Start an opportunity for residents to socialize and share and alternative adult education facility to serve a information and learn about their community. wide range of educational needs. Those who are Simple landscape and building improvements educated and better informed are then able to beautify a neighborhood, generate resident pride contribute back to their community. and make it a more attractive destination for activity and entertainment. Neighborhood Benefits • Decreasing blight and increasing social connections can help improve community safety; there are fewer abandoned buildings where crime The redevelopment of a single brownfield property can take place and there is more monitoring by may be what a community needs to revitalize an those who feel connected to and invested in their entire neighborhood. Physical improvements to a neighborhood. In Greensburg, Kansas, residents plan their redeveloped brownfield property can help redefine a new green city after it was destroyed by a tornado neighborhood and re-establish a sense of place. In some cases, brownfields redevelopment can prompt Greensburg, Kansas: Linking Disaster Recovery neighbors to improve their properties and create a and Sustainable Planning positive ripple effect throughout community. Other The City of Greensburg, Kansas (population 1,500) and neighborhood benefits include: Kiowa County were destroyed by a tornado in 2007. Since this tragedy, the state and local government are rebuilding a more sustainable future for the community. As the • Providing market-rate and/or affordable housing community is being reconstructed as a LEED® Platinum City, the entire neighborhood is being revitalized. Learning is crucial to ensuring a stable, healthy and from this example, other communities are linking disaster accessible community. Brownfields redevelopment recovery efforts with the need to create more sustainable has been linked with increased rates of home communities, including several in Iowa and others in Texas impacted by flooding, hurricanes and extreme weather ownership, which has, in turn, been linked to an events. increase in characteristics such as educational 10
  • 17. 2. Brownfields Reuse Creates Community Benefits EPA Brownfields-funded agriculture projects include: Turning an underused property into a community The rising environmental movement in the 1960s asset creates a range of health, environmental and and 1970s saw the beginnings of small localized • Bellow Falls, VT, Farmers Market • Glens Falls, NY, Farmers Market economic benefits. efforts to promote healthy, sustainable, locally grown • New Britain, CT, Urban Farm and organic foods. Many people rediscovered the • Sacramento, CA, Community Garden This section of the report highlights four major environmental benefits of smaller sustainable farms, • Saginaw, MI, Farmers Market brownfield reuse themes that provide widespread organic farming and local gardens. The recent energy benefits to communities. These four categories are: crises also highlight the connection between food agriculture and food system uses, arts and culture prices and fuel prices because of the fertilizers, uses, housing and mixed uses, and community and pesticides, energy intensive farm equipment, and civic uses. Case studies for each of these reuses food transportation system needed to support large- illustrate many of the community benefits, and scale agriculture. Today’s agriculture and food system examples of organizations or resources that can accounts for approximately 19 percent of all fossil enhance brownfields cleanup and revitalization energy used in the United States.18 projects are also highlighted. The growing awareness of sustainability and healthier foods has piqued public interest and created a desire Agriculture and Food to integrate food systems and agriculture back into local communities. This interest is reflected in the Farmers Market in Bellows Falls, Vermont System Uses rising demand for land in urban areas to support local food production, community supported agriculture (CSA) and farmers markets. This movement to Perhaps nothing connects us more to our local support and strengthen local farms and reintroduce environment, the seasons and our community than food production into neighborhoods provides the food we prepare and eat daily. Agriculture and increased demand for land near populated areas. food systems have long played a dominant role in Brownfields redevelopment is a prime opportunity to shaping our economy, job opportunities, energy use support agriculture and food systems because many and where we live. brownfields are small parcels of land within urban areas that can be used as community food or flower The emergence of an industrial and manufacturing gardens, urban farms and farmers markets. economy caused dramatic demographic shifts as jobs were created in urban areas. During the post World The need for locally produced food may be War II economic boom, the number of smaller farms particularly pressing in “food deserts,” where declined greatly as large-scale industrial agricultural physical or economic barriers prevent access to met an increasing demand to boost crop yields for healthy food.20 In these areas, there are often no expanding domestic and export markets. full service grocery stores and few healthy food 11
  • 18. choices available to residents. Figure 4 tracks EPA Farming helped turn vacant land into gardens. After Did you know? Brownfields, Superfund, Resources Conservation testing the soil to ensure there was no contamination, • Food transportation costs add $113 and Recovery Act (RCRA), and Landfill Methane the Linwood and Gladstone Garden, one of the billion to the cost of U.S. food. Outreach Program sites against food deserts in the largest community gardens in the city, was planted • 120 million tons of carbon dioxide are City of Baltimore that could be potentially used for and is maintained by local volunteers to provide free emitted from transportation of U.S. food food production projects. Several EPA Brownfields vegetables to community members and local food annually.19 grantees used grant monies to assess and clean up banks. • Developing local food, including those properties for use as farmers markets or community There are countless additional examples throughout on former brownfields, reduces the gardens. the country of reusing properties to grow and provide environmental impacts from long Across the country, there are many organizations better access for residents to acquire food locally. distance transportation of food. working to provide access to locally grown food. Another example, “Plant a Row for the Hungry,”22 In Detroit, Michigan, an organization called Urban is one of many efforts to enlist home gardeners in growing additional vegetables for donation to the local EPA-Tracked Sites Present Opportunities food bank. to Address Food Deserts While not every property may be suitable for an agricultural or food systems reuse, many small I-83 urban parcels can serve as community food or flower gardens, urban farms, farmers markets, and provide additional environmental benefits. The following case studies illustrate that brownfields can help improve ! ! the health of a community. ! ! ! ! ! ! I-95 ! ! Soil Sampling is Critical in Food Production Projects ! ! ! ! ! ! All projects involving food production and gardening 895 should conduct Phase I environmental site assessments, ! ! soil sampling, and testing before planting. Tests for pH, ! organic content and key nutrients are needed as well Food Deserts* ! as potential environmental contaminants. Alternatively, Unpopulated Areas and Parks ! ! ! urban and brownfield gardeners may wish to grow above EPA-Tracked Sites ± ground hydroponically or in greenhouses. 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 Major Highways ! Miles It is important to ensure that soils are not only safe, but adequate for growing. Soils can be reconditioned for food production through the addition of organic Figure 4: In Baltimore, Maryland, many EPA- materials, leaf mulch, or food waste compost to increase tracked sites are located in or nearby food deserts. water absorption for better stormwater management soil Redeveloping these sites for a food production or biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. sale may allieviate food desert conditions.21 12
  • 19. Case Study: Urban Oaks Organic Farm - New Britain, CT Urban farm helps to create a safe, livable community “Shopping at Urban Oaks is a social thing. Urban Oaks is like The City of New Britain, Connecticut, a scene from decades ago, the laid the foundation for transforming one of its poorest, most dangerous customers know all the farmers, neighborhoods by revitalizing a everyone greets each other, and brownfield as an urban farm and the food is fresh and chemical community garden. Urban Oaks Organic Farm, one of the first urban free—besides, I like supporting organic farms in the United States the local economy.” and the largest urban organic farm in the Northeast, was developed in the violent crime-ridden North Oak Street Local resident and Neighborhood. patron of Urban Oaks In 1997, an EPA Brownfields Assessment grant and an EPA Cleanup grant in 2003 provided the initial financial backing to assess and clean space, tools, seeds, water and visit a neighbor.” This multi-year up the three-acre urban brownfield technical assistance are all provided brownfields revitalization project property. In addition to the EPA at no cost to gardeners. These helped restore the fabric of the city funding, the project used funds from activities provide unique educational and improve local safety. the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Connecticut opportunities for underserved inner Department of Economic and city residents to learn about farming and gardening techniques. Benefits Community Development, the City of • Cleaned up a three-acre New Britain, and local foundations. New Britain Chief of Police and urban brownfield The farm serves as a source of life-long resident, William Gagliardi, employment for the local community— explained that, “prior to the cleanup • Provides walking access many of the farm’s six full-time and and redevelopment of the urban to affordable, locally ten part-time employees are residents brownfields located within the North grown organic produce in the North Oak Street neighborhood. Oak Street neighborhood, violent Additionally, each summer, Urban Oaks crime was at an all time high, the area • Provides hands-on invites 10 local teenagers to participate had more gangs per capita then any agricultural training in a 10-week, paid position that offers where else in U.S. Many long-time and education to local hands-on organic and sustainable residents left the neighborhood— youth allowing them to farming educational training. The farm while others stayed locked in their connect with the land provides ongoing education for residents houses. Today, the gang problem and school groups in organic gardening has been greatly reduced—violent • Catalyzed neighborhood methods, sustainable agriculture, non- crime is approaching zero percent, redevelopment to toxic farming techniques, composting, while overall crime has been reduced reduce crime rates and other environmentally-friendly by 25 to 33 percent—which has farming techniques. greatly changed the character of • Provides a safe the neighborhood. Folk who left the community gathering To put this knowledge to practical use, neighborhood are moving back and space that improves Urban Oaks created a one-acre, 30-plot new people are moving in, residents social connectivity neighborhood garden where gardening feel safe walking to Urban Oaks or to 13
  • 20. “It is one of the ironies of Case Study: Greensgrow Farm - Philadelphia, PA An urban brownfield grows green urban agricultural development that these former industrial Established in 1997, Greensgrow sites, often called “brownfields” opened on a former industrial lot are in fact some of the best in a Philadelphia, Pennyslvania, choices for locating a new neighborhood, which is a mixed use residential-commercial-industrial area. urban agricultural business.” Greensgrow operates on the one-acre brownfield site as a hydroponic garden, www.greensgrow.org starting with growing lettuce for restaurants. Greensgrow has blossomed in the 12 years since its conception, with the property now hosting raised beds of organic soil filled with numerous vegetable and herb plants, a farm stand and a nursery. Shoppers can pick up peppers, squash, figs, eggplants, lettuce, tomatoes and many kinds of herbs just to name a few. Local residents are able to walk to of gardening including composting the garden to purchase fresh and lessons, bee-keeping, organic In the 1980s, a former steel galvanizing locally grown produce and plants, gardening and green roofs. The staff’s plant closed, leaving behind significant creating a true community feel in most recent endeavor was to start soil contamination and health concerns a space which was once tainted by making biodiesel fuel out of old frying in the community. In 1993, the EPA industrial uses. Greensgrow achieved oil retrieved from their local restaurant Superfund program stepped in to their mission of connecting city customers during produce deliveries. address the property. The building and residents with better food options contaminated soils were removed from that are easily accessible and grown Benefits Flowers for sale at Greensgrow Farm the property, leaving only the concrete locally. Greensgrow not only grows its • Cleaned up a one-acre slab foundation. Greensgrow selected own vegetables and herbs onsite, but brownfield hydroponic gardens help to protect also offers venues for the products human health and the environment from other local growers. Additionally, • Provided access to and preserve the concrete slab a nursery on the property offers a fresh, local, and foundation site cap. Once the local wide range of plants and seedlings affordable produce and Community Development Corporation and their beehives produce fresh plants to low-income bought the property, they rented it to honey for consumers. While community Greensgrow for $150 a month, a rent Greensgrow offers a wide selection they still pay each month. This low of products onsite for community • Provided education rent shows the commitment to provide members, some of the fresh, locally opportunities on necessary beneficial services to the grown produce also is delivered to sustainable agriculture surrounding low-income Kensington local Philadelphia restaurants. community. Now with more than • Demonstrated 10 employees and volunteers at the As the garden has grown over the environmental property, Greensgrow continues to reach years, so has its offerings onsite. stewardship in business more people in the community, as well The staff offers special educational management practices as the Philadelphia region. sessions to teach about many aspects 14
  • 21. Community Benefits of Improved Community Space Agriculture and Food System Uses Gardens and farmers markets provide community Community or neighborhood gardens gathering spaces and are local economic engines, have been shown to help reverse Improved Access to Nutritious and Healthy Foods allowing residents to interact and enjoy their Community gardens allow residents to grow fresh, local urban decline by: neighborhood, while also helping support local and often organic food, leading to a better diet and farmers and the local economy. Communities • Increasing occupancy rates lifestyle that can improve public health and reduce interested in starting a farmers market may be • Increasing income disease. Gardening can also increase physical activity, eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) • Decreasing poverty rates30 something of great need in a nation where nearly two grants to assist efforts. In addition, state legislation thirds of urban residents do not have access to a local to support local agriculture has been proposed in a park or open space for recreation.23 Lack of access to number of states to meet market demand. A county nutritious and affordable food is a fundamental public in Iowa has enacted policies to rebate 100 percent of health and quality of life issue that can be corrected real property taxes to farmers who convert to organic through brownfield revitalization. production, and to support local and organic food Increased Home and Property Values purchases in county institutional settings. Research in Philadelphia concludes that community Improved Access to Local Gardening gardens and planting trees can increase or stabilize and Food Production the value of neighboring properties or rental income.24 Increasing seed sales and membership in gardening This provides an additional economic incentive for groups signal growing interest in agricultural garden creation and tree planting reuses as well as activities.26 Today, 71 percent of American creating produce, flowers and greenspace. In St. households engage in some type of lawn or gardening Louis, Missouri, areas surrounding gardens experience activity27 and there are an estimated five million Somerville, Massachusetts, used their increased home values;25 even those who do not Brownfields Cleanup grant to help create a organic gardeners.28 Web sites such as Sharing directly use the property are benefiting from its community garden Backyards link people with unused yard space to effective reuse. individuals looking for a place to grow food. More Improved Retail and Small Business Opportunities information can be found at www.sharingbackyards. In many urban areas across the county, and com. particularly in low-income neighborhoods, many Improved Opportunities to Meet Demand for studies conclude that there is a lack of full-service Organic Food grocery stores with fresh food. Residents in these Since the late 1990s, U.S. organic production has neighborhoods are less likely to own a vehicle and more than doubled, and organic food sales have must rely on the food retail locations that are within more than quintupled. More than two-thirds of U.S. walking distance. Instead, residents often go to consumers buy organic products at least occasionally, convenience stores which tend to offer foods of lower and 28 percent buy organic products weekly, quality and lower nutritional value and often at higher according to the Organic Trade Association. Organic prices. Brownfields revitalization can play an important products are now available in nearly 20,000 natural role in providing viable locations for grocery stores or food stores and nearly three quarters of conventional small fresh food markets, filling urban market gaps. grocery stores.29 More information can be found at www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/organic/demand.htm. 15