[CPEO-BIF] U.S. Conference of Mayors Surveys More Than 150 U.S. Cities

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

United States Conference of Mayors
For Immediate Release
June 12, 2010

BROWNFIELDS REPORT SHOWS UNTAPPED POTENTIAL
FOR REDEVELOPMENT IN THE NATION'S CITIES

The U.S. Conference of Mayors Surveys More Than 150 U.S. Cities

Oklahoma City, OK - The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) today released 
a national report on the status of Brownfield sites in 150 American 
cities. Brownfields are abandoned or underutilized properties where 
expansion or redevelopment is complicated by either real or perceived 
environmental contamination. As a result, Brownfields present a major 
challenge for both small and large cities - primarily due to the lack of 
funding necessary to redevelop and/or recycle these lands.

This report is the eighth in a series of reports that documents the 
impediments to brownfields redevelopment faced by local communities 
throughout the United States, as well as identifies the opportunities 
lost when properties remain idle and abandoned. It also quantifies some 
of the benefits from brownfields redevelopment efforts across the 
country, with cities specifically citing their positive results from 
land recycling and the return of brownfields to productive uses.

"The redevelopment of Brownfields is a key component to a sustainable 
community. Cities across the nation have learned to do more with less, 
but these difficult economic times have made new developments on 
brownfields even more challenging. Congress and EPA's Brownfields 
Program has provided tools, but Mayors need additional assistance with 
the redevelopment of these properties that will create new jobs and 
preserve city green space." said Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, Chair of 
the Conference's Environmental Committee.

This year's results indicate that 136 cities estimated that they 
collectively had more than 22,537 Brownfields sites, with the average 
size of a brownfield site being approximately 8.6 acres. Cities also 
estimated that Brownfield properties comprised of 60,417 acres of land, 
representing potential new jobs and land tax revenue. More then 120 
cities estimated that 3,035 sites have been "mothballed," which is 
defined as sites where the current owner has no intention of 
redeveloping or selling due to environmental concerns. At mothballed 
sites, owners would prefer to have the land remain idle and unused 
rather than turn these sites over for development.

Elizabeth (NJ) Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Co-Chair of the Conference's 
Brownfields Task Force, commented on the benefits of brownfields 
development. "Cities who were experiencing a redevelopment renaissance 
and residential boom are now facing economic decline and an increase in 
foreclosed properties. There is still a renewed interest in developing 
city centers where residents can move closer to their jobs and reduce 
commuting costs. Brownfield properties are still a value in 
redevelopment, with an increase in green technology and the reduction of 
energy costs, cities are finding it easier to redevelop and remediate 
properties then start from scratch. I believe the program will benefit 
cities with jobs on land that is already close to the cities core. This 
is the only way to truly grow in a sustainable manner. To use previously 
used land and put it back into positive use."

Other highlights of the survey findings include:

* Over 46 percent of the survey respondents stated that if Brownfields 
were redeveloped, they could realize nearly $688 million to $1.66 
billion annually in additional tax revenues.

* 106 cities responded that over 230,223 new jobs could be created on 
brownfields sites if their brownfield sites were redeveloped, an 
increase of 39,000 from last year's report.

* There were 59 cities that reported 75,000 new jobs have already been 
created from redeveloped Brownfields. These jobs include 19,761 
pre-development and 55,085 jobs post development.

More than one-half of the cities surveyed reported offering incentives 
to encourage brownfields redevelopment through tax credits, low interest 
loans, and infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, the Conference's 
survey found that many states are working with cities on Brownfield 
issues, but few city-state partnerships deal with the issue of sprawl 
that could result from broad redevelopment.

West Palm Beach (FL) Mayor Lois J. Frankel, Co-Chair of the United 
States Conference of Mayors Brownfields Task Force, explained how 
brownfields have been a very important part of the city's growth. 
"Brownfields provide a wonderful tool for urban and city center 
redevelopment. In today's economy the search for additional resources is 
imperative and through Brownfield redevelopment additional jobs and a 
growth in the tax base are two benefits cities can strive for. 
Communities are reborn and the environment is restored, in many cases, 
preserving precious green and open space." She concluded.

The entire brownfields report will be posted on the Conference's website 
at www.usmayors.org/brownfields.


###

For the original release, go to
http://www.usmayors.org/pressreleases/uploads/RELEASEBROWNFIELDS2010SURVEYFinal.pdf



--


Lenny Siegel
Executive Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
a project of the Pacific Studies Center
278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
<lsiegel@cpeo.org>
http://www.cpeo.org



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