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WHAT IS A BROWNFIELD?
Brownfields
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
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Brownfield Site |
Converted Brownfield |
A Brownfield is an abandoned, unused, or underused industrial or commercial site that has not been redeveloped because of concerns of contamination from hazardous substances.
Brownfield sites exist all along the Hudson River due to its active industrial past. Many are located right on the waterfront making them valuable real estate. R
edeveloping Brownfield sites can be expensive because of the clean up involved, but there are benefits offered to the developer through some liability relief and state financial assistance. In Haverstraw The Harbors Project site is a Brownfield, and in Yonkers much of the waterfront is a Brownfield because of their prior industrial uses.
WHY DO WE WANT TO REDEVELOP CONTAMINATED SITES?
By reusing existing sites we reduce the development pressure on previously undeveloped property, such as wild areas and agricultural lands. These sites are known as “greenfield” sites.
The development of a greenfield site consumes open space and green areas, and requires putting in a whole new infrastructure, like roads, sewers, stormdrain systems etc. This is expensive for the city or village, as well as intrusive in undeveloped areas. While many brownfield sites do have some infrastructure development needs, they are generally fewer than a previously unused site would require. In addition, site clearing and grading needs in a previously developed site are significantly reduced compared to a previously unused site.
Do you know of any Brownfield sites in your community?