Land Recycling News

The Sierra Fund’s bi-annual conference, hosted at the heart of the glitter and devastation of what was California’s original Gold Rush, is the state’s primary venue for collaboration and action around addressing the ongoing effects of historic mining. This outcomes-oriented event draws hundreds of people who are leaders in their field including policymakers, landowning and regulatory agencies, scientific researchers, water quality experts, reclamation firms, mining companies, public health specialists, and environmental advocates.

As a city, how do I engage private developers in brownfields redevelopment in this economy?

– Monica P., city redevelopment planner

The city of Redwood City, California is considering a large development project on a portion of the former Cargill Salt Ponds. Would this location be considered an infill site?

– Yvette B, Community Member

I am working on a project involving the remediation of brownfields and vacant industrial parks.  I was wondering about the details of capping contaminated soil mounds.  Does there need to be a concrete or clay base layer under the mound of contaminated soil to prevent any seeping of the toxins?  Or, can the soil mound just be capped?  If the mound consists of only contaminated soils (relocated from other areas of the site), does the mound have to include a gas collection well?

- Michael, Architecture student

How does one appraise a brownfield property?  – Scott S., affordable housing developer

CCLR is thrilled to highlight the groundbreaking of new housing at the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard. Our new video captures the excitement from the community and local leaders on the day of the groundbreaking, and highlights the enormous potential for the site. We also discuss a CCLR grant to investigate an old cement factory, and include a new publication with case studies and resources for redevelopment projects.

Letter to the Editor – San Francisco Chronicle – January 5, 2012

 

I am a developer in the SF Bay Area. I am interested in acquiring a site in Oakland for a mixed use project, but it’s near the freeway and I heard that the Air District has just banned housing near freeways. Is this true?

Our community has many viable but vacant buildings in its downtown.  It is possible that the owners of these buildings are asking too high a rent or purchase price, but we are concerned that perceived site impairments may be a factor.  How do we validate this argument and how can we improve the situation?