Fabian Parkway parcel eyed for solar; county orders phase‑2 contamination proposal
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Summary
County staff reported possible lead contamination at the former jail site on Fabian Parkway and asked White & Company for a Phase‑2 environmental proposal to estimate remediation costs; solar development has been proposed as a brownfield reuse option if remediation proves prohibitively expensive.
County staff updated the Energy & Environmental Committee on the Fabian Parkway property, explaining that a prior Phase‑1 study identified two areas of potential contamination tied to historical site uses (a jail, ammunition bunker and firing range). Staff said they have asked White & Company to provide a proposal for a Phase‑2 environmental investigation to determine the extent and cost of remediation.
"Through Roger Fonstock and building management, they have reached out to White and Company to do a site visit out there and look at those areas of potential contamination and get a proposal," Jody Walnick, director of environmental and water resources, told the committee. Staff cautioned that remediation costs in similar cases could reach into the millions, which could exceed the land's market value.
Members discussed alternative uses and sale feasibility. A broker (JLL) advised that the property has limited appeal for residential development because it is isolated from services; staff and the chair said that putting solar on the parcel could be a viable brownfield reuse, generate tax roll value and provide community solar benefits. Staff said detailed proposals and costs from White & Company will come back through administrative review before any action is taken by the board.
Next steps: staff will request and review White & Company's Phase‑2 proposal and work with the county administration on procurement and policy for disposal or reuse of county property.
