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?

I keep encountering “The Livability Principles” in Federal grant announcements, such as HUD’s Sustainable Communities Grant Program and the EPA’s ARC Grants Program. How is redeveloping a brownfield consistent with these “Livability Principles”?

– Nancy R., Development Associate

My community would like to apply for an EPA site assessment grant. However, we are concerned about the US EPA becoming involved as the regulatory agency on our site – is our fear valid?  – Jacob M.

We are considering putting a community garden or farmer’s market in a site contaminated with asbestos. What issues should we consider? Is this eligible for EPA brownfields funding?

– Kathy A.

How does the LEED certification rating system currently consider brownfield and infill redevelopment in its scoring criteria? – Donna D., project manager