Program | Brownfield Technical Assistance
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
BROWNFIELD OPPORTUNITIES
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?
Learn more through the Brownfield Redevelopment Webinar Series
View our recorded webinars and sign up to join us for the next in the series!
