IDA leads an EPA-funded assessment of Brownfields in Orange County
The Orange County IDA has launched a Brownfields Assessment Project to support the identification, assessment, remediation, and redevelopment of polluted properties. The IDA seeks to raise awareness regarding economic incentives for the redevelopment of brownfield sites within the County. Through this project, the IDA intends to bring community stakeholders together around common goals of environmental remediation and redevelopment.
Size And Scale
This project will identify, prioritize and initiate environmental studies of sites around the County, with potential locations identified in the Port Jervis, Goshen, Middletown, Newburgh, and Middletown areas.
Land Mass
This assessment is looking at initiating environmental studies on hundreds of acres of industrial land
Total Investment
The EPA has invested $500,000 in this project.
Timeline
2025-2028
Jobs
By removing barriers to redevelopment, this could help lead to the creation of hundreds or even thousands of jobs in the County, depending on future use.
Project Challenges
- Ownership: Several properties that we identify as vacant Brownfields are privately owned and will require buy-in from the owners to receive support during this process.
- Feasibility: The contamination level of some properties may prove too extensive to remediate for development.
How we accomplish
The Orange County IDA is adopting a multi-faceted and community-based approach to execute this ambitious project. Be sure to visit the orangecountybrownfields.com site to stay updated on progress and to contribute your ideas.
Partnerships
Orange County IDA is partnering with the Orange County Executive's Office, the Orange County Planning Department, relevant municipalities, property owners, and many community stakeholders to achieve meangingful outcomes.
Economic Incentives
The grant from the EPA will support the initial environmental assessments and planning efforts which are often barriers to redevelopment.
Sustainability
This project addresses both the environmental remediation and re-development of land in Orange County. Additionally, re-using already developed land will prevent harmful impacts related to 'greenfield' development.
Regional Growth
By removing the barriers to investment, this project will unlock the development potential of the selected properties to provide housing, commercial development, and possibly public amenities.
