Brownfields Redevelopment

TTift Farm Wildlife Preservation Buffalo, NY.

There are many parts of the Niagara Region where soil and groundwater quality have been impacted by previous industrial uses. Participants identified the obstacles to reuse of these properties and sketched a framework for action for improving their attractiveness to investment. Overall, participants saw in the reuse of old industrial lands a combined opportunity, not only to improve the environment, but to create meaningful new jobs, restore local tax bases, and develop a new sense of place by celebrating local heritage and reconnecting derelict lands to surrounding communities.

They stated a number of key premises. There is a lot of acreage. Much of it is strategically located on waterfronts and served by infrastructure. These sites offer the opportunity to pursue economic, environmental, and community goals simultaneously. The regional economic situation (NAFTA, tourism, recent investments, etc.) offers new potential to trigger action on these sites.

There are a number of Issues to resolve. "Greenfield" sites are often cheaper to develop because of legal issues attached to brownfields. The real estate market in Erie and Niagara counties is weak so there is little stimulus for redevelopment. But a comprehensive, visionary strategy – integrating economy, ecology, and community – could attract the new capital we need.

Each strategy had a distinct focus, but both emphasized the need for defining a common vision, creating a regional plan, and incremental progress. Specifically, it was recommended that we:

Work to improve tools for transformation – regionally – with a plan that integrates economic development, ecological improvement, and community objectives. That means providing financial incentives such as tax credits, job re-training, ED Zone designations; making the decision-making process "transparent" and geared to build consensus.

Implement demonstration projects to build momentum. Brownfields are a "canvas for new possibilities." We need to frame the vision, make a plan, inventory sites, prioritize innovative ideas for reclamation and reuse, address the legal barriers, coordinate action, and make sure the public knows about the successes.