Brownfields Revitalization Program
Turning underused properties into opportunities
What is a Brownfield?
A brownfield is a property where redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of environmental contamination. Brownfields can include former commercial, industrial or other previously developed properties that are now vacant or underused.
A property being identified as a potential brownfield does not necessarily mean it is contaminated. In many cases, additional assessment is simply needed to better understand a property's history and environmental condition before redevelopment can move forward.
Why Harrison Township?
Like many older communities, Harrison Township has vacant and underused properties that were developed decades ago for commercial or industrial uses. Environmental uncertainty can make these properties more difficult to redevelop and can cause investment to move toward newer, shovel-ready sites instead. The 2019 Memorial Day tornadoes created additional challenges for several areas of the Township.
In 2024, Harrison Township received a $500,000 Brownfield Assessment Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help address these barriers and encourage reinvestment. The grant is available community-wide, with initial focus areas including the Wagner Ford Road/I-75 Interchange and Forest Park Plaza areas.
What Will the Grant Do?
The EPA grant gives Harrison Township resources to better understand properties and prepare them for future investment. Funding can be used to identify potential brownfield sites, research property histories, conduct environmental assessments and testing, and develop cleanup and reuse plans.
The Township anticipates completing up to 18 Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and 10 Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, along with cleanup alternatives, site reuse plans, a Brownfield Revitalization Plan and a market study.
How Does This Help Harrison Township?
Brownfield assessment helps remove uncertainty that can stand in the way of redevelopment. By better understanding a property's environmental condition, Harrison Township can help position vacant and underused sites for new investment and productive reuse.
Successful brownfield redevelopment can help eliminate blight, protect public health and the environment, strengthen neighborhoods, attract private investment and create opportunities for new businesses and jobs. The goal is to turn properties that have been barriers to growth into assets for Harrison Township's future.
