Public-private Partnership in Residential Brownfield Redevelopment: Case Studies of Pittsburgh

Abstract

In discussions on brownfields there is a general consensus among researchers that brownfield sites have the potential to be reused as green spaces, art parks, commerce centers, recreational areas and residential lots. From the various kinds of brownfield redevelopment (BR) activities, residential brownfield redevelopment (RBR) is growing quickly within the US. RBR is considered to match city smart growth goals, and it is more cost-effective for economic development than other brownfield reuse activities. The paper addresses the opportunities and challenges in restructuring RBR's ecological environment and economical benefits. To reduce or eliminate obstacles we observe a collaborative model through public-private partnership (PPP) utilized in RBR: PPP creates an institutional framework in which the public sectors provide strategic profits to the private sectors, while the private entities implement and develop the public sector's plan. In order to explore specific and significant factors affecting brownfield redevelopment in housing context, we review literature on PPP in brownfield redevelopment and discuss the compositions and characteristics of both public and private sectors in RBR. From this analysis we point out that there are three key elements for the success of RBR: (1) consensus between public and private sectors, (2) the type of landowner and (3) participation of academic institutions. To clarify the argument, two RBR projects named Summerset at Frick Park and Hazelwood (LTV), both in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were selected as case studies in our analysis. Through the comparison of successful and unsuccessful cases, our statement is future concluded: consensus, public owned properties and involvement of academic institutions contributed notably in PPP and RBR. Additionally, the successful case in restructuring ecological environment and promoting sustainable development also provides a paradigm for other cities that are withstanding similar RB or RBR issues.