The term ‘brownfield site’ means real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. (Definition from federal ‘‘Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act’’)

CALIFORNIA BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESS STORIES

Redevelopment agencies help revitalize local communities by spearheading efforts to clean up Brownfields and preparing these abandoned sites for productive use for housing, jobs, and businesses.  Redevelopment agencies:

• Identify potential sites in need of clean-up
• Investigate the extent of contamination
• Develop a plan and ultimately clean up property by working with state and federal agencies
• Transform Brownfield sites into housing, parks, transit centers and more by acquiring property and working with the private sector and third-party investors
• Finance Brownfield clean-up by using their funds and ability to leverage additional resourcesing, mixed-use developments

CRA has endorsed a set of principles for Brownfield legislation to help guide good redevelopment policy:

• Brownfield redevelopment is a critical element of “smart growth”
• California legislation and its liability policies should support Brownfield redevelopment

• California’s liability limitations should only apply to the “new interests” coming to contaminated sites

• California’s mitigation processes should be predictable and sensible

• Amendments should help harmonize existing Brownfield laws and processes

Because redevelopment agencies focus their efforts in urban areas, their activities help preserve the environment and open space, reduce urban sprawl and commute times, and improve the quality of life for Californians.