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Brownfield projects get green light from city agency

By Brian Meyer

 Efforts to turn contaminated land into shovel-ready development sites moved forward today when a city agency approved a budget that will earmark $3.3 million in state grants for brownfield projects.

The Buffalo Urban Development Corporation approved a spending plan that targets $2.4 million in state aid for additional work at Buffalo Lakeside Commerce Park. Once a contaminated industrial site, the South Buffalo complex currently employs more than 350 people. Mayor Byron W. Brown said the next phase will involve road construction that will allow for more land to be developed by new or expanding businesses.

"It's an important step, because we're getting one or two contacts per week from potential investors who are interested in the city," Brown told The Buffalo News following today's meeting.

Dennis M. Mullen, chairman and CEO designate at the Empire State Development Corp., said the project will open up an additional 71 acres of land and will serve as a model for redeveloping brownfields.

Agency officials said a public park that is planned near the Union Ship Canal at Buffalo Lakeside Commerce Park will also receive $250,000 in grants secured by state senators William T. Stachowski and Antoine M. Thompson. Meanwhile, a $500,000 state grant will be invested in the emerging Riverbend Commerce Park at the former Republic Steel plant site off South Park Avenue.

The agency approved the budget five days after the state's environmental chief visited Buffalo to announce plans to streamline brownfield development. Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Alexander "Pete" Grannis said new policies will help fast-track properties for inclusion in the state's Brownfield Cleanup Program.

Currently, it can take many months for some parcels to be approved. State officials believe the new policies will provide developers with cleanup agreements within 45 days. The changes are expected to be implemented following a public comment period, said state officials.

bmeyer@buffnews.com