Brownfields Redevelopment

Brownfields are abandoned or underutilized lands that were former industrial or commercial properties that suffer from real or perceived environmental contamination. One of the advantages of brownfields, for development purposes, is that they offer the opportunity to purchase land below prevailing prices. These sites are often located in prime locations, such as near central business districts, waterfronts, or in existing neighborhoods with access to adequate infrastructure, transportation and other services. Redeveloping these sites for businesses and other enterprises can be an important opportunity to transform an underused area into a thriving, productive part of the community.

Grants to assess, clean up, and redevelop brownfields are sponsored by federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The State of New York also provides funding through its Municipal Brownfields Program.