According to this article in Area Development Online, developing a brownfield is a no-brainer: infrastructure is in place, governments have redevelopment funds to support it, and "the PR flip is huge."
Mark Crawford writes:
"Businesses should not underestimate the social value of developing brownfields, especially when other site selection factors are about equal for other considered properties."
Additionally, funding is available from government agencies like HUD to redevelop these underused sites, writes Crawford:
"Now millions of extra dollars are available from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for brownfield redevelopment through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)."
Crawford hits many other reasons why brownfield development is hot.
FULL STORY: Government Funding Sweetens Site Redevelopment
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A 660-acre Bay Area brownfield served by commuter and light rail is the latest battleground between suburban communities intent on preserving open space and quality of life and meeting the Bay Area's unmet housing demand.
Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
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Interactive Map Reveals America's “Shade Deserts”
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Bicycles and Books — In Sacramento, Libraries Now Offer Both
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Colorado Landfills Emit as Much Pollution as 1M Cars
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada