The Center for Creative Land Recycling, in partnership with the CA Department of Toxic Substances Control held a free half-day workshop and walking tour in Vista, focusing on recycling underutilized land for economic development, renewable energy, and affordable housing.

The fourth biennial Sierra Fund conference, focused on finding ways to reclaim and remediate mine-scarred lands in the Sierra, took place at the Sacramento State University on May 8th and 9th. The full slate of programming was kicked off by Elizabeth “Izzy” Martin, CEO of the Sierra Fund, who spoke about the grip that absentee landowners have over the land in the Sierra. The stage for a frank conversation about land-use and equity was further set by Lawrie Mott, a former scientist with the National Resources Defense Council, who begged the question: “Can our 20th Century water systems survive the 21st Century climate reality?”

The Center for Creative Land Recycling held the year’s premier brownfields redevelopment event, the 3rd Cumbre para el Desarrollo de Brownfields, on May 10th at Centro Gubernamental Minillas, Torre Norte in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The free, all-day event provided 160 attendees with the tools necessary to redevelop contaminated or underutilized land, also known as brownfields. 39 out of the island’s 78 municipalities participated, in addition to multiple NGOs and civic leaders. Redeveloping brownfields supports economic development, stops the spread of urban sprawl, and has positive impacts for public health. 

The California EPA Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC),  has funds available to assist with the investigation and cleanup of brownfields. 

California cities are littered with properties that discourage economic activity, attract crime, depress property values and degrade quality of life. Communities seeking to convert blighted areas to commercial, industrial, residential, mixed-use, open space or other productive uses lost their primary tool when the state eliminated redevelopment agencies. However, Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs) and Community Revitalization Investment Authorities (CRIAs) are new economic development tools that offer the use of tax-increment financing. Communities statewide are exploring ways to use these tools, which require innovative approaches and new partnerships to maximize their potential.

EPA provides contractor assistance to research historic property uses, conduct environmental sampling and identify cleanup options and cost estimates. By submitting a short, on-line application, public entities, nonprofits and tribes can access up to $100,000 worth of technical assistance for eligible sites. At no cost to the applicant, EPA contractors evaluate whether a property is contaminated and provide follow-up recommendations. EPA prioritizes sites in underserved areas that are ready for redevelopment and accepts applications on a rolling basis.

Vance Park is a well-worn jewel in the rough in Gresham, Oregon’s Rockwood neighborhood. Used for a variety of purposes, like futsal, community gardens, Frisbee golf, and children’s playground, it’s potential lies in more uses and the reuse of the adjacent sites, including Vance Pit. The Pit is comprised of a defunct gravel pit, suspected former landfills and other industrial uses. The Rockwood community faces considerable challenges and opportunities. As Gresham’s highest density and poorest neighborhood, Rockwood boasts a rich ethnic tapestry. It has struggled economically in recent years, and the City, county and state partners are committed to nurturing a more prosperous community. Rockwood CDC has embarked on a strategy to promote community and economic development. Through Rockwood Speaks and other initiatives, they are steadily building a base for the economic growth and stability of the neighborhood and its residents.

New York has experimented with responses to the daunting challenge of getting brownfields cleaned up and redeveloped in low-income communities. These communities are often dually burdened by multiple brownfields and economic disinvestment. New York's Brownfield Opportunity Areas (BOA) program, established in 2003, provides funding for community-based, area-wide planning, designed to boost eligibility for government resources and private investment. The program works to attract and leverage funding for revitalization in some of the State's most blighted neighborhoods.

The Center for Creative Land Recycling has launched a new page for Sustainable Remediation Resources (hyperlink) through the Online State Resources Page! This page compiles state and national resources about sustainable and green remediation, such as EPA’s Climate Smart Brownfields manual, NY Department of Environmental Conservation documents and presentations, EPA Green Remediation best practices and more. 

In partnership with New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and the City of Louisville, CCLR organized a half day workshop focusing on land reuse and recycling building better communities.