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Brownfields are industrial or commercial sites that are, or are
perceived to be, environmentally contaminated. Brownfields are
complicated, but often attractive, redevelopment sites because they
are connected to existing infrastructure, they offer alternatives
to building on virgin land, and redeveloping them turns hazardous
eyesores into community assets. They give communities the same
benefits as other development: an expanded tax base, revitalized
neighborhoods, and new jobs.
With an estimated 500,000 sites in the U.S. - in small towns, big
cities, and rural communities alike - the potential for
brownfields projects cannot be understated. They are often located
in urban areas where developable land is in short supply, they
qualify for government subsidies, and the property is often cheaper
because of the contamination.
Architects can help develop the overall vision for a brownfields
project, fit it into the context of the surrounding community and
region, and keep the multitude of stakeholders - including
concerned community residents - informed, involved, and on
track.
The AIA strongly supports brownfields redevelopment and urges its
inclusion as a vital element in livability and revitalization
strategies. For more information, go to EPA's Brownfields Homepage.
Quick Facts
* Over 900 brownfields sites, comprising more than 10,000 acres,
have been successfully redeveloped. Another 700 sites, involving
9,000 acres, are currently being redeveloped.
* Actual tax revenue from brownfields projects in 45 cities totals
$90 million.
* Brownfields redevelopment has generated over 83,000 jobs in 74
cities.
* An estimated $790 million to $1.9 billion of tax revenue and
576,000 jobs could be generated by brownfields redevelopment in 149
cities.
* In addition, 113 cities estimated that brownfields would allow
them to support an additional 4.3 million people without adding to
existing infrastructure.
* Recent federal legislation increased funding and flexibility for
state and local brownfields programs and offered more liability
protection for innocent parties who previously might have been
subject to lengthy, costly litigation.
* Reclaiming brownfields sites will help communities become more
livable by cleaning up environmental hazards, revitalizing
abandoned properties, reusing existing infrastructure, and allowing
infill development rather than sprawling outward.
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