Some areas in Memphis suffer environmental problems. These include the older areas of Memphis such as South Memphis. This neighborhood was formerly zoned allowing for industrial uses and factories built near residential areas. A lot of the land has been cleared, but hazardous materials may e in the soil, making it risky for developers to build on the land. These areas are known as brownfields. Brownfields used to be expensive to develop on because of their cleanup cost; they were also risky because of the possible liability they possess. The Environmental Protection Agency has made it easier for cities to redevelop this land and bring back these struggling neighborhoods.
What is a Brownfield?
Brownfields are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Generally, they are abandoned or underused commercial property that are difficult to redevelop because of an actual or perceived contaminant. The Environmental Protection Agency has created the Brownfields Program where grants are awarded to help cities and communities assess, clean up and sustainably reuse brownfields a tool for revitalization.
The Redevelopment Phases
Brownfields are redeveloped in four phases; predevelopment, securing the deal, clean-up and development, and property management. The predevelopment determines that project and what properties will be included. During this phase, properties and environmental assessments are completed. Goals of this phase include determining the highest and best use for the properties to ensure a successful revitalization along with identifying sources of funding. Funding can come from EPA grants or private developers or organization.
Phase two, securing the deal begins once the project leaders decide what properties to acquire for clean up and redevelopment. This phase includes negotiating contract terms, securing financing and determining who will manage future liability. In this phase, the property is secured and a formal commitment to the project is made.
In the clean up phase, the soil, surface water and ground water are cleaned based on the environmental assessments from phase one. The property is generally leased shortly after construction on the project begins. Once construction is complete, the project is finished and the brownfield is formally opened as its new use.
The last phase is property management. This deals with the management of the finances for the property, physical qualities of the property, and the community relations and environmental issues.
The Condition in Dallas
In 1996, Dallas was chosen to be a Brownfields Showcase Community. West Dallas has had several environmental issues in the past. In the 1800s, West Dallas was the home of a rail line that produced super heated gases such as carbon, carbon black and un-combusted organics. The trains also left coal and coal dust, by products of fuel. In the mid 1930s, a smelter processing company was built near a residential area. This company released led particles in the air, contributing to West Dallas’ environmental problems. In 1993, West Dallas was declared as largest lead contaminated site in the United States.
In West Dallas, abandoned buildings that had been closed for up to ten years were revitalized. A multi-family housing unit was constructed, along with a restaurant and an Occupational Training Institute is in construction.
Success in other municipalities
Other cities have used the Brownfields Program as a revitalization tool to redevelop properties. Cuyahoga County in Ohio was awarded $3 million from the Clean Ohio Grant, allowing them to begin construction of a new medical center. New Orleans has cleaned and redeveloped buildings that had been vacant for over twenty years. An apartment building and retail center was created where a vacant canning company used to be, and a mixed-use complex was developed at the site of an old brewery.
These cities have shown that the EPA’s Brownfields Program is a successful tool for revitalizing industrial zoned land or areas that may have contaminants in it. The EPA is taking some of the liability off of cities while also providing rebuilding assistance through the grant program. Using these cities as models, Memphis can redevelop some its brownfields and create thriving communities that people want to live without worrying about environmental concerns.
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Photo courtesy of http://www.esri.com
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