Hostname: page-component-6d856f89d9-jrqft Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-16T07:47:54.713Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Brownfield Redevelopment: Information Issues and the Affected Public

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 August 2005

M. R. Thomas
Affiliation:
Department of Resource Development, Michigan State University
Get access

Extract

The process of brownfield redevelopment often demands higher levels of information than traditional real estate transactions. While much of this information is pertinent to site identification and remediation, additional information is needed to address issues that are important for better public understanding of the process by which brownfields can be made clean and productive. Decision makers within municipal government need more information from developers on the site identification and selection process, how properties are characterized as suitable for redevelopment, and how various redevelopment options are evaluated. Other stakeholder groups, including regulators, lenders, realtors, and the general public, are becoming more involved in the prioritization and acceptance of redevelopment plans. Information is also needed to address growing concerns over envir onmental justice, social equity, and quality of life. This article discusses information needs and public issues in brownfield redevelopment projects with respect to information access, screening and selection of properties, intergovernmental cooperation, public participation, and the evaluation of the impacts and risks of redevelopment alternatives (including the no action alternative). Innovative information technologies help create decision support systems, which include enhanced geographic information systems, site prioritization methods, and training programs. These decision support systems are information rich and technologically advanced, and they have been valuable in providing information to decision makers and the public to evaluate redevelopment options. Such systems have been used in several brownfield redevelopment programs in Michigan, and can provide models for other communities engaged in brownfield redevelopment.

Type
FEATURES
Copyright
© 2003 National Association for Environmental Professionals

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)