Brownfields are classified as industrial or commercial properties that have been abandoned and may contain some contamination to the property. There are many books from which one can learn about brownfields.Charles Bartsch and Elizabeth Collaton, authors of Brownfields: Cleaning and Reusing Contaminated Properties discuss the types of contamination, location on the property and the severity of the contamination.These issues lead to the discussion and determination of the responsible party, cleanup cost estimates, and finally the successful outcome of the cleanup.The profitability that brownfields could generate is cause for great interest.In addition to the economic side of the redevelopment, potential job creation can have successful effects on the community. In a recent survey of 150 cities by US Conference of Mayors, two-thirds of cities estimate redevelopment of known brownfields could bring from $205 to 500 million in tax revenues and 236,000 new jobs[1].During the 2001 Brownfields Conference Proceedings in Chicago benefits such as increased property value, neighborhood stability, and housing improvements were highlighted as essential in the redevelopment process[2].

Cost is the leading issue when it comes to redeveloping a site.The chances of obtaining funds that assist in the redevelopment process are greater when the community and protecting public health are incorporated[3].Funding for these sites are broken into many categories such as property, remediation on some sites and community outreach. The Tennessee Brownfields Act of 2001 allows for the property to be developed by and for communities as opposed to the businesses that do not have the communities’ best interest in mind.The superfund law’s purpose is to locate, investigate and cleanup the hazardous waste sites[4].This law also defines who the responsible party is for the remediation.The superfund trust fund is the money that is used in the event that a responsible party cannot be identified[5].Two other acts that are used to secure funds for the Brownfields redevelopment are the Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act of 2001 (HR 2941) and the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) which is a source that will provide a benefit to the community and will enhance the local tax base[6].These funds are acquired to perform site preparations that include remediation, demolition, and building rehabilitation[7].

North Nashville communities already have deteriorating conditions without the help of brownfields plaguing what is left.During the second week of July, these North Nashville communities were examined for possible brownfield sites.What was found was discouraging, yet rectifiable.One site that possesses promise for rehabilitation is the large rail facility, visible form I40E and near the Jo Johnson projects, were the backside and part of the front of the building are boarded up (see pictures 3 and 4).This site possesses the ability to gain high community support in the redevelopment process because Jo Johnson projects will be demolished and transformed into low and middle-income housing in the near future.With a new sense of pride coming from first time homeowners the support to redevelop brownfields in this community will be much greater.There is also a piece of property that was once a community development center. Resting adjacent to this property is an abandoned electronic company.These two buildings house a lot of potential well doing for the neighborhood if they can be redeveloped by and for the community (see pictures 1 and 2).Buchanan Street is a commercial strip that outlines a North Nashville neighborhood.Just before this research was conducted a block of stores on this street were burned out and have now become eyesores to this neighborhood (see picture 6).Deep into one of the neighborhoods, the site shown in picture 5 was found.What was ironic about the site was that at the end of the block a brand new facility was being constructed.The older site could have served some purpose for this community without the having to build more non-residential buildings in the area.

At the US EPA Region 4 Brownfields Conference in Atlanta, GA many stories of successful Brownfields redevelopment were explained in great detail. Two sites that were highlighted were the Wenatchee Tree Fruit Test plot site in Washington State and the Clearwater Florida Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund.Both sites underwent proper procedure to complete remediation processes.The Clearwater project received its funding form the EPA in the amount of $160,000 to be taken from the BCRLF and to be paid back by the responsible party within two years[8]. Just as the Wenatchee and the Clearwater projects were successful in the redevelopment processes, the aforementioned Nashville properties can also reproduce that same type of success.

In brownfields redevelopment projects there are many people who play intricate roles in this elongated process and everyone has his or her own tasks to work on and go by.Therefore, Corey Fisher out of Georgia Tech’s Technical Assistance to Brownfield Communities (TAB) Program shared some helpful tips on how to handle a typical redevelopment.

§By outlining the scope of work to be completed, it creates a system of checks and balances and also, guides you through the project with enough detail that key elements of the project are not forgotten.

§Make sure you understand the contract that you are agreeing to. If any changes are made be sure to get it in writing.

Nashville has already been approved as part of the Brownfields Pilot Program; however, the sites that were discussed above are not on the list for redevelopment.California has failed to address environmental disparities that exist between its Anglo communities and communities of color[10], should Nashville follow suit?