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Brownfields as Part of Your Larger Sustainability Goals

by Abigail Lundy

November 18, 2009

Another great session at the Brownfields conference! During “Models of Sustainable Community Development: Using Brownfields Redevelopment to Achieve Sustainability Goals”, panelists discussed their experiences in Virginia, New York, Connecticut, and California. While each had a unique perspective, there was definitely consensus around a number of issues: • Brownfield redevelopment isn’t the only answer in creating a sustainable community. Rather, it is one element that should be combined with other initiatives to “green” a city or neighborhood.

Education is essential. Brownfield redevelopment—and sustainability in general—are relatively new initiatives that many people are unfamiliar with. Take the time to learn as much as you can, to faciliate information sharing among the various teams/groups of staff who will be working on the project, and to educate citizens.
Take a long-range view. Noemi Emeric Ford (EPA Region 9) gave an example of an elementary school in an area being redeveloped that was plagued by the exhaust generated at a nearby semi-truck driving school. The inclination was to just move the driving school elsewhere to improve the elementary school, but that just furthers the problem. Instead, the city is working with the driving school (and other polluting industries) to help them get cleaned up for good.
Zoning is essential. Are you using a use-based or form-based approach? A form-based approach addresses the relationship between building facades and the public realm, the form and mass of buildings in relation to one another, and the scale and types of streets and blocks.
In the past, transit-oriented development has factored in largely to the brownfield conversation because it was tied into funding opportunities. With the current unemployment levels, however, the federal government is more likely to support those projects with strong job creation elements.
The most successful development efforts are those that bring in the community as part of the process. A champion in the community can be invaluable in creating, sharing, and advocating a vision for success.