Benefits of Redevelopment | Technical Assistance to Brownfield Communities

There are many reasons to clean up and reuse a brownfield site. These are the top seven:

Turns Health and Safety Liabilities into Community Assets
Creates New, Local Jobs
Increases Property Values
Eliminates Eyesores
Enhances Economic and Tax Base Development
Supports Sustainable Use of Land by Preserving Greenspace and Preventing Sprawl
Links Economic Vitality with Environmental Benefits

Barboursville Brickyard Before and After

Some of the most objective data for brownfield redevelopment is the measurable environmental and economic benefits. Brownfield sites are typically centrally located within a community and connect to existing infrastructure. The redevelopment of existing sites reduces sprawl and the amount of impervious surface expansion along with many other environmental benefits. Job and housing growth can be supported on brownfield sites, which boosts the local economy.

Contaminants at brownfield sites can create safety risks, social and economic issues, and overall environmental health issues. Communities should work with environmental regulators and public health agencies when dealing with brownfield sites. It is important to incorporate public health improvements while planning redevelop a brownfield site.

Before and after photo of the Webster Springs Train Depot

There are also a variety of ways brownfield sites can be reused.