The Federal Brownfields Inter-Agency Work Group for New York and
New Jersey is comprised of local representatives from over 14 federal
and state agencies. The goal of this work group is to help local
communities access resources that will assist them in the redevelopment
of brownfield sites and, in the process, promote ultimate goals
of reviving communities and preserving open space. A brownfield
is an industrial site that has actual or perceived contamination
and a real potential for redevelopment. Given that many complex
environmental, economic and social concerns may exist in the communities
surrounding such sites, this partnership has been especially effective.
It provides a forum for communities to discuss their development
goals and proceed on the road to achieving those goals in a fashion
that is more integrated and complete.
The work group, formed under the United State's Environmental Protection
Agency's Brownfields
Economic Redevelopment Initiative, makes the brownfields redevelopment
process more effective through a coordination of agency efforts
and resources. The work group holds monthly meetings at which local
communities with brownfields issues present their plans and discuss
how best to match federal and other resources. Topics discussed
have included: economic and housing development, open spaces, business
development, job training, infrastructure needs, financing and integrated
planning.
Since 1998 the work group has met with more than 30 communities
in New York and New Jersey. In New Jersey, the City of Trenton is
a Brownfields Showcase Community that has provided valuable advice
to other municipalities. Trenton is currently working on more than
30 sites with potential for reuse, and has already redeveloped or
cleaned 30 sites in the city. One such site has been successfully
redeveloped with a new shopping center and office building, and
has generated over 400 jobs. Across the state, the work group has
assisted over 20 brownfields pilot communities.
HUD participates in this inter-agency work group and contributes
information on a number of important economic
development programs.
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