Re: (repost)[CPEO-BIF] "Brownfields widespread, confidential Ohio industrialpoll

[jessedrp@earthlink.net]

The objective of a Brownfields program is to enable economic and community
development on under-used property.  The wonderful part of the Brownfields
process is that it uses a market incentive, i.e.-return on investment, to
promote the characterization and cleanup of environmental problems that would
otherwise have gone unaddressed.  What a great win-win solution, a true
blending of public and private interests

Brownfields programs should not replace the goal of protecting health and
environment, but operate under that umbrella.  If a contamination problem is
found to be putting nearby residents at risk, it is certainly a high priority
to notify those persons and deal with the problem immediately. However, if a
site is either low-risk or just under a perception of risk, there is not much
to be gained environmental protection-wise by publicly announcing these site
issues. This just complicates the reuse process. 

Brownfields programs should make environmental cleanup an easily executable
part of the overall development process.  Listing properties can stigmatize
them, and opening the process to a public forum complicates the execution of
redevelopment plans, both of which can result in these site remaining
unadressed, hidden environmental problems.  Should the community be involved
in revitalization? You bet, but through existing public channels and forums,
not as a separate issue as a rule.

Let's assist the public-private partnering that gets problem sites into the
cleanup queue, not create another public opinion layer to dissuade would-be
developers.

-- Jesse Silverstein
______________________________
Development Research Partners
8138 West Caley Place, Suite 2001
Littleton, Colorado  80123
V(303) 933-4464  F(303) 933-4463


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