HCPC BROWNFIELDS INITIATIVE
The Hancock County Planning Commission (HCPC) has received for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding to conduct an assessment of potential brownfields sites in Hancock County. This grant will allow us to hire a consultant to determine if a site has environmental problems and help with the clean-up. This makes a property safe for reuse.
What are brownfields?
Brownfields “are abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial
properties where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived
contamination” (EPA). Potential sites in Hancock County include, but
are not limited to, abandoned mines and waste disposal sites, closed factories,
former gasoline stations and junk yards.
Why should a municipal government be concerned about brownfields?
Generally speaking, brownfields generate little tax revenue and may be a threat
to the value of adjoining properties due to contamination or a blighted appearance.
There have been many successful cases in Maine of property being cleaned
up and converted to a more attractive use. For example, brownfields
funds have been used in Ellsworth as part of the waterfront revitalization
process.
At a time when prime industrial and commercial space is in high demand, cleaned-up brownfields sites offer a good location for many businesses. In some cases, brownfields can be reused as open space or a recreational area.
How can we learn more?
Feel free to contact Tom Martin at the HCPC (667-7131, tmartin@hcpcme.org)
if you have any questions. The HCPC would be happy to discuss your town’s
potential brownfields sites and provide program details. We are looking for
people willing to serve on a brownfields steering committee. Please
contact Tom Martin if you are interested.