NYS Policy, Regulatory, and Technical Updates at CCLR’s NYS Redevelopment Summit™

For the past five years, CCLR’s NYS Redevelopment Summit™ has been the go-to space for discussion of policy, regulatory, and technical updates that impact brownfields redevelopment in the state of New York. This year is no different. Read on for three important updates that could impact your redevelopment projects which will be discussed and expanded upon in Summit sessions from June 16th-18th!

(Not available on those dates? Don’t worry, each session will be recorded and available to view at your convenience after the event with your registration!)

Expansion of Brownfields Opportunity Area (BOA) Program

The money available to communities through the BOA program was nearly doubled in the state budget this year, with up to $3.5 million to be given out to both current BOAs and new applicants. The BOA program is a critical tie to other state programs and priorities including environmental justice, and climate change. Additionally, communities who participate in planning activities through BOA are well-positioned to receive larger grants – up to $10M – through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) program.

CCLR has continued to advocate for BOA program funding since its inception in 2005, and we are excited by the expanded eligible uses of BOA funding. At the Summit, be sure to attend the session “New and Trending in the Empire State: Updates from Our State and Federal Partners” to hear more about current opportunities for BOA funding. Additionally, the virtual Summit platform allows attendees to find and network with BOA and DRI communities to share knowledge and best practices.

Redevelopment Involvement in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA)

In 2019, NYS passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which calls for the state to reduce carbon emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 85% by 2050. With less than a decade before the first benchmark, the stakes are high and the opportunities are real. Significant new resources will become available, especially in disadvantaged communities.

Preparing for and managing the effects of climate change are two of the most significant drivers behind land reuse priorities today. Advisory Panels, including the Land Use and Local Government Advisory Panel, have been meeting for the past year to provide recommendations to the Climate Action Council to assist in the development of a plan to meet these goals.

Hearing updates on climate priorities has never been more timely for redevelopment practitioners. The Summit panel, “Go Green or Go Home: Keeping up with the CLCPA,” will provide information for the uninitiated and expert alike.

Cooperative Agreement between NY DEC and Niagara Land Bank

In February of this year, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a cooperative agreement with several entities in Niagara and Orleans Counties including the Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corporation, a land bank. The agreement exempts them from any liability – and following cleanup costs – of possible environmental contamination on tax-foreclosed properties. The agreement has the potential to impact 81 properties across the region.

This is not a unique agreement within New York and has been a solution for entities throughout the state. However, this particular agreement is a direct result of the NYS Redevelopment Summit™ Office Hours in 2019 when Niagara approached DEC about their issue. The relationship was forged at the Summit, showcasing the exceptional collaborative problem-solving that happens when redevelopment practitioners gather.

Don’t miss opportunities to discuss your most pressing questions with those who can help at this year’s Office Hours – hosted through the virtual exhibitor booths between sessions. Additionally, the informal Lunch & Learn session, “Who’s on the Hook? Limiting Liability in Land Reuse,” will dive deeper into the specifics of the cooperative agreements and a gamut of other options to limit liability.

Join us June 16th-18th!

As in past Summits, we will spotlight trending topics on renewable energy, Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP), workforce development, federal funding, and community engagement. CCLR’s exceptional network of partners will provide practitioners across the state and beyond with the best information and resources to move the brownfields sphere forward.

Thank you to our generous sponsors for making the Summit possible.