The Role of Sustainable Development in Brownfield Redevelopment
What is sustainability you may ask? It has many definitions to
many different people. A general definition for sustainability is
"meeting the needs of today's generation without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their needs." When
brownfield properties are being considered for redevelopment it
is important to think in terms of sustainability.
In "Reclaiming Lost Ground: A Resource Guide for Community Based
Brownfield Development in Massachusetts", the Environment &
Community Development Program at Tufts University and the Dudley Street
Neighborhood Initiative explain the importance of looking at sustainability
issue when developing brownfield redevelopment for communities in the
following:
"For communities a brownfields site is more than an individual parcel
of land or a single abandoned industry. Communities often see brownfields
as fitting into a pattern of disinvestment, redlining, pollution, and
abandonment common in economically and environmentally distressed areas.
For communities with many of these sites, brownfields and the desire
for revitalization are issues of environmental justice. Some communities
have begun to see brownfields as opportunities-the missing piece to
help them put together a local vision for community revitalization.
Instead of thinking of brownfields solely as real estate deals, some
communities developers and environmental groups have begun "thinking outside
of the box" of traditional development. They promote brownfields
redevelopment to revitalize urban environments and economies and to ensure
that the activities that polluted these properties in the first place
are not repeated. Working with residents, local businesses, and other
community institutions they ask: How does this parcel fit into the
community's vision, resources and needs? That assests exist near the site
that could be linked to sustainable community development? When examining
former industrial sites, they also see what lies around them: rail lines
and rivers that once served as transportation for industrial goods, nearby
schools and housing that once were mixed in with industry; a small
number of good paying jobs and locally owned business; and the need for
open space and playgrounds. Developing new uses that fit into and
enhance a neighborhood requires community involvement, creative visioning,
participation of diverse stakeholders, and a holistic approach to community
development."
This holistic approach is where sustainability should fit into not only
brownfield development, but all community development. If a sustainable
site use and practices are not utilized when a brownfield site is being
redeveloped, the community runs the risk of the redeveloped site becoming
another brownfield later when the need for the specific land use disappears
as the community's needs and desires change. Thinking "outside the box" and
prior to project initiation helps ensure a a stable community in the long
run.
