Abstract:
Have you wondered why the closed factory or abandoned gas station in your neighborhood has remained vacant for years? These properties could be brownfields, vacant or underutilized properties where the possibility of environmental contamination complicates redevelopment or reuse. With limited undeveloped land available to accommodate growing populations, communities are looking at brownfields as opportunity sites for redevelopment. This is particularly true where outward expansion is limited by urban growth boundaries (UGBs).
In Oregon, the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments (MWVCOG) needs assistance in developing an inventory of sites that may be considered brownfields in Marion County and identification of high priority sites to pursue for redevelopment. In order to facilitate the return of these properties to productive use, communities must first identify these sites to understand the extent of the brownfields problem at the local level.
Through interviews and research of existing inventory methodologies, this project seeks to develop and test a method to identify and prioritize brownfields sites that have a high potential for redevelopment. Findings suggest that while the methodology developed can be an effective tool for initial identification and analysis of brownfields, it is important to incorporate input from stakeholders to ensure accurate site identification and selection of priority sites that best align with regional goals. By addressing the challenges identified through this study, the MWVCOG can supplement this methodology to result in more accurate identification and prioritization of potential brownfields.
