Brownfield Regional Redevelopment Task Force

July 15 Committee Meeting

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I. Opening Remarks and report on action items: Bob Wilkerson

     Wilkerson opened the meeting with Introductions/Attendees:

Karen Ameen              Jefferson County Land Development

James Lowery            Black Warrior Riverkeepers

Bob Corley                 UAB

Jerry Cross                 JCEIDA

Preston Huddleston    MDB

Larry Watts                  RPC GB

Bridget Shealy            CAWACO/ RC&D

Salli Lee                      Alabama Cooperative Extension

Billy Hewitt               City of Tarrant

Drew Wharton           4 Site Inc, Huntsville , Al

Elizabeth Salter           RPC GB, GIS

Paul Kennedy              USDA-NRCS/CAWACO

Bob Strickland            Alabama Gas Corp.

Chris Reaves              UAB, Center for Urban Affairs

Carol Clark                 City of Birmingham

Bob Wilkerson            RPC GB

• Wilkerson reminded the group of the upcoming EPA Conference-Aug. 3 in Atlanta . Several indicated the need for more details. Wilkerson will follow-up with Region IV and forward agenda and information to the task force.  It was noted that 300 conference notification letters were distributed to local municipalities and private sector firms in an effort to encourage attendance, and to generate interest and awareness for the brownfield initiative.
• Wilkerson provided bullet points of a task force report to the environmental Committee of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce on July 14, 2004 . Task Force member Philip Wiedmeyer arranged the program and conducted a panel discussion for the chamber which consisted of Wiedmeyer, task force member David Roberson, and Wilkerson.
• An extended task force meeting calendar was distributed.

II: GIS Mapping Component: Elizabeth Salter

·        Wilkerson introduced Elizabeth Salter - RPC GB/GIS specialist and project team member. Salter provided an online interactive demonstration of the mapping and data fields behind the mapped brownfield sites.

·        Salter demonstrated the ability of the system to provide not only location, but also information supplied by the property owner to assist potential purchasers/redevelopers with determination of site appropriateness for specific reuse purposes.

·        In addition, Salter demonstrated the flexibility of the system to react within desired parameters against information in the database.  For example, Salter demonstrated the ability of the system to reveal all brownfield sites mapped within a five mile corridor along I-65. The system produced a mapped image of those sites and a summary register, with all background information.

·        As a beginning to the brownfield mapping component, Salter mapped 156 brownfield sites supplied by ADEM (statewide). Sites collected from the regional survey effort (currently in process) will be placed in the GIS system, revealing a powerful tool for guiding and encouraging redevelopment potential within the region.

III. Revised Project Statement:

·        Wilkerson presented a revised project statement draft for review by the group. The statement will serve as a general guide for task force actions. In addition the statement is a necessary component of the grant application process, demonstrating consistency of project objectives and proposed actions.

·        Bob Corley suggested a modification, referencing specific projects and initiatives that the task force desires to compliment, rather than “conceptual” areas of interest.

·        James Lowery recommended removal of the word “conceptual” from the statement.

·        Larry Watts suggested adding a reference to transportation initiatives.

·        Wilkerson noted those suggestions, asking that any additional thoughts or input be emailed to him.

·        A final revised statement will be distributed by email.

IV. Grant Funding Opportunity : Smart Growth/ Brownfields Grant:

• Wilkerson proposed pursuit of an EPA Smart Growth/ Brownfields grant opportunity i/a/o $50,000.00: application due- August 24, awards- February 2005.
• Wilkerson reviewed the three approved categories eligible for submission.
• Wilkerson suggested the task force consider submission of an application that would serve multiple purposes, including the engagement of community involvement/ awareness/ education, while promoting the concepts of smart growth in communities containing brownfield redevelopment potential. The necessity and critical weight (within the grant approval matrix) of an established and effective citizen/community engagement effort in the pursuit of an EPA grant application was stressed. Wilkerson reminded the task force that successful grant applications must show citizen engagement initiatives prior to the approval of site assessment grant applications. In addition, attaching to smart growth initiatives provides opportunities for additional brownfield exposure while reinforcing the desirable elements of collaboration and economies of scale for federal funding dollars toward regional initiatives.  Wilkerson also noted that this is not a one time grant opportunity. Subsequent applications of $50,000 each over a period of three years ($150,000 program cap per applicant) would compliment the multiple phase structure adopted by the task force.

• The floor was opened for discussion and questions:

Paul Kennedy asked for information on how funding would be applied. Wilkerson responded that potential exists for development of community design workshops including charrette activities designed to engage citizens in the process and provide contributions toward the development of solutions specific to sites within a target community. This methodology of engagement provides opportunity for community enlightenment and education as well as gaining a buy-in for redevelopment. Chris Reaves stressed the importance of such strategies when seeking assessment grant funds for the November 2004 cycle.

Larry Watts suggested the program could become a model of general information (education component) relative to the concept of redevelopment. Wilkerson agreed that this has the potential to lay the foundation and framework for education/awareness at the citizen level. Reaves added that this is an opportunity to leverage federal grant funds. Watts added the suggestion that the workshop could be developed into a video training guide.

Carol Clark suggested the training/outreach would be very effective if it provided a framework for how to structure a redevelopment deal, with the possibility of engaging citizens and land owners in collaborative relationships.

Paul Kennedy suggested we invite stakeholders in other successful brownfield redevelopments to provide input regarding how or what made their project(s) successful. Wilkerson responded that efforts are underway to generate dialogue and networking opportunities with successful brownfields project stakeholders in other states; the EPA August 3 Conference and the National Brownfields Conference in September will provide multiple opportunities to network and learn from others. Drew Wharton offered to assist by investigating Pittsburgh ’s success through his professional connections with ( Pittsburg ) firms that have participated in major brownfield redevelopment work.

It was mentioned that local financial institutions need to become engaged in the brownfields initiative. There was discussion regarding the difficulty of gaining financing for properties that have environmental concerns. Wilkerson responded that Wachovia has a strong environmental banking division which should have a positive impact on local brownfield redevelopment as Wachovia enters the Alabama market.

• Wilkerson concluded the discussion asking if task force desired to pursue this grant. The consensus was to proceed.
• A work session will be scheduled for task force members who desire to participate in that effort.

V. Discussion of Potential Pilot Project Sites:

• Wilkerson reminded attendees that a primary short term objective of the task force is facilitation of a pilot project to serve as a positive example for the benefits of brownfield redevelopment within the region, encouraging additional redevelopment. Wilkerson stressed the critical need for the task force to reach consensus and identify pilot project site(s) enabling the initiative to advance. EPA grant applications are due in November with funding in June, 2005. He noted that if the November 2004 deadline is missed, the next possible funding will be June 2006.

• In an effort to identify a pilot site proposal, Wilkerson shared with the task force that he and Chris Reaves contacted Chief Billy Hewitt of Tarrant to discuss Tarrant’s potential and level of interest in serving as a brownfields pilot. Wilkerson asked Chief Hewitt to share his thoughts with the task force.
• Chief Hewitt presented an overview of Tarrant, identifying (on a map) the various positive initiatives that are underway or planned for the city, and illustrating the power of physical connectivity and synergies among the various developments and amenities being developed. Hewitt provided insight on the following: a new system of parks and greenways including a segment of the Five Mile Creek Greenway, The Land Trust Preservation, redevelopment plans for downtown Tarrant, a comprehensive planning initiative, and flood mitigation initiatives.
• Hewitt identified the locations of several brownfield sites within the city representing potential for a bundling of grant funds including a range of scales (large, medium, and small sites) within close proximity. In addition, he noted the positive impact of brownfields redevelopment upon the initiatives (described above) and vice versa.
• The potential for incorporating other well known area brownfield sites was raised. Wilkerson responded that the selection of Tarrant as the pilot would not preclude the task force’s involvement in other brownfield redevelopments. 
• Issues were raised relative to the confidentiality of information regarding a project under management of a public sector organization. The question was not resolved, but will be logged in a register of questions and obstacles that need clarification.
• Wilkerson proposed that the task force pursue Tarrant as the pilot site with the delivery of a grant proposal in November 2004. No opposition was voiced.    Any comments regarding the proposal should be emailed to Wilkerson by July 30, 2004 .

VI. Closing Remarks:

• Wilkerson announced the next meeting for August 19, 1:30 , Center for Regional Planning and Design.
• The meeting was adjourned.