NPCR Showcases:

Highlights of the Brownfields Forum

November 2008

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On November 17, 2008, over 180 people attended NPCR’s Brownfields Forum entitled: “Urban Revitalization 2009: Building the Smart Growth Link Between Redevelopment and Sustainable Communities.” Participants included nonprofit and for-profit lenders and developers, community based organizations, environmental justice representatives, environmental groups, environmental insurance industry representatives, State and municipal officials, lawyers, and consultants.

The Forum included presentations by high level City and State agency representatives and practitioners about brownfield resources and the programs impacted by the July 2008 amendments to the NY Brownfields Law, with a particular focus on the Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) program. At the Forum, NY Secretary of State Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez launched the Brownfields Smart Growth Spotlight Communities Initiative. Governor David Paterson was quoted in the State’s press release issued that day, “Even in these economically trying times, we must remain aware of the need for us to invest in New York’s future. The Brownfields Smart Growth Spotlight Communities Initiative helps us to achieve that goal by building on our commitment to the smart growth principles of sensible, balanced development in town and city centers in need of revitalization. The partnership between BOA community participants and my Smart Growth Cabinet will ensure that the improvements we make create jobs and generate growth as we protect our environment.” (Read the entire press release.) Over the last few years, BOA program funds have been fueling the planning, market studies, environmental analysis, infrastructure design and other activities needed to attract private investment, get projects built and for neighborhoods to grow smart. Linking the innovative BOA program with the Governor’s Smart Growth strategy will build momentum in neighborhood value-creation efforts and ensure that investments already made, are not jeopardized. This announcement marks a turning point for the 100+ communities participating in the BOA program and firmly positions New York State as a national leader in urban smart growth.

In addition, NPCR used the Forum to unveil three brownfield initiatives:

• NPCR released its report, “Addressing the Risk: Making Environmental Insurance Available for Brownfield Sites in New York City.” (Download a copy of the Report.)
  
  

• NPCR kicked off its 2009 Brownfields Training, announcing sessions scheduled for February 11th, April 28th, September 17th and December 2nd; (Download a copy of NPCR’s Brownfields Training 2009 Preliminary Syllabus) and

• NPCR issued its updated Analysis on the State’s re-structured Brownfield Tax Credits, reflecting the July 2008 amendments. (Download a copy of “Draft Analysis on the Use of Brownfiield Tax Credits by Not for Profit Organizations, November 2008.) This will be finalized and covered at the February 2009 Training session.

Watch Secretary of State Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez’s announcement at the Forum

 

Visit our archive to read previous Showcases.

 

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