WHAT ARE BROWNFIELDS?

Brownfields are found in neighborhoods and communities across the nation.  Abandoned buildings, former factories, and other blighted structures may be in urban or rural areas – and are often concentrated in low-income, underserved or marginalized communities.  As such, brownfields share common ground with issues involving environmental justice.

Examples include:

• Former gas stations, auto repair shops
• Former dry cleaning establishments
• Former factories, schools, hospitals
• Buildings with asbestos, lead, and other hazardous materials
• Abandoned landfills, old mining sites, vacated lots, fallow land
• Old railyards and shipyards

Although brownfield properties are problems for a community, they can be redeveloped and turned into opportunities to clean up the environment, boost the local economy, and build a stronger community.  Brownfields can be redeveloped by private developers, local governments or through public-private partnerships.

Brownfields can become:

• A remodeled building with energy efficient features
• Riverfront with entertainment and restaurants
• Park or recreation area
• New retail/commercial property
• Residential housing
• Community center
• Community gardens or farmers markets

What does a brownfield redevelopment planning process involve?