Brownfield Redevelopment: Information Issues and the Affected Public

Abstract

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 environmental 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.