Council hears brownfields plan that would fund site assessments up to $50,000; program targeted to economic development
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Summary
Council discussed two Brownfields program files that would allow the city to fund site assessments (up to $50,000 per site) and support economic‑development reuse; staff clarified that the program is aimed at economic projects rather than housing and that larger expenditures would return to council.
Councilmembers and staff discussed two related Brownfields files (A and B) proposing a Brownfields Revitalization Fund and program to identify and assess contaminated sites for redevelopment.
Environmental Affairs Department staff described how the A/B files differ: both would permit assessment work for future sites, but the B file includes funding and work linked to two specific sites already under consideration (Goodyear Industrial Tract and a former prison/reception site). Lillian Kawasaki of the Environmental Affairs Department said the fund could provide up to $50,000 per site for technical assistance and site characterization; projects requiring more than $50,000 would come back to council for separate approval.
Councilmember questions focused on eligible uses and whether housing could be supported. Staff and the mayor’s office clarified this Brownfields program as presented is designed for economic‑development projects and job creation rather than direct housing redevelopment. Councilmembers indicated interest in adding sites from districts where need was expressed and requested follow‑up on criteria for developer outreach and community inclusion.
Next steps: staff will refine outreach and eligibility criteria; council indicated they would prepare rolls and schedule votes for the files as appropriate. Councilmembers asked the housing department to produce stronger outreach plans for projects using public funds, particularly in CD 9.
