Sustainable Long Island Releases Manual

Sustainable Long Island has released a 2011 how-to guide on brownfields redevelopment, a topic many Long Island towns are investigating.

Brownfields are former industrial or commercial sites where future use is affected by real or perceived environmental contamination. The Bethpage non-profit's manual, "Brownfields to Greenfield$," is a roadmap for local officials about the brownfield redevelopment process and opportunities available in New York.

It is is designed to provide information for local governments who want facilitate brownfield redevelopment in their area, citizens hoping to understand how the process affects them, developers and investors participating in this growing marketplace, and end-users of redeveloped property.

Village of Farmingdale Mayor George “Butch” Starkie is on the Sustainable Long Island Brownfield Task Force. The manual has been updated from the 2006 version and was made possible by funding from state Sen. Carl Marcellino, R- Syosset, and contributions by the Action Committee for the Environment.

“I have always felt that the State’s brownfield programs were indispensable in getting these urban eyesores back on the tax rolls and making them community assets rather than letting them eat away at the heart of our cities, towns and villages," Marcellino said. "These programs promote and the manual enhances the physical, economic and social revitalization of our communities.”

Other information in the manual includes New York State, federal and private funding and financial incentives, technical assistance and liability protection available for the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield sites in New York State and an overview of the various brownfield programs offered the state. The 2011 manual can be viewed here and in the photo gallery.

“Since its launch in 1998, Sustainable Long Island’s brownfield redevelopment projects have produced concrete results in numerous communities across Long Island and this manual is just the latest testament of our work,” said Sustainable Long Island Board Presiden Ruth Negron-Gaines. “Through the transfer of information, collaboration among brownfield stakeholders can promote sustainability and smart growth, creating a positive future for New York‘s environment and economy.”