Brownfield Program sees signs of a more diversified economy

The Macomb County Brownfield Redevelopment Program, funded with several grants through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), continues to help stimulate business growth in the county.  In the last quarter, seven redevelopment-ready properties have been testing for environmental contamination and are in the midst of developing plans for remediation and redevelopment.

Collectively, the projects represent the creation of up to 100 new jobs as existing companies plan to expand into new spaces throughout the county.

Gerard Santoro, Senior Planner with the Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development, coordinates the grant program.  Santoro recently attended the National Brownfield Conference to learn the newest trends and techniques in brownfield redevelopment.  Santoro notes that a growing trend in the field is the emphasis on the “greening” of redevelopment projects, especially in terms of energy efficiency.  It makes sense for new projects to plan for reducing long-term operating costs through the incorporation of efficient lighting, heating and cooling and other earth-friendly construction practices. 

With the success of the current grants, the department recently submitted two new grant applications to the EPA.  The first is for an additional $200,000 to continue assessment of hazardous substance activities.  The second would provide $1,000,000 to capitalize a revolving loan fund (RLF) that developers could tap to help finance other project costs including demolition, due care and remediation.  Offering below-market loan rates, paybacks would go back into the RLF to help fund other future projects.  Definitely a win-win, the department is hoping for positive results on both applications.  

Macomb County Brownfield Redevelopment Program

586-469-5285