What is a Brownfield?
"Brownfields" are areas within a city that are not in use or have not been fully-developed because of constraining circumstances. Often, these areas are entirely vacant, underutilized or simply not targeted for development because of previous industrial use. The City of Norfolk is viewing the redevelopment of these brownfields properties through a resilience lens as we design the community of the future, create economic opportunity, and strengthen neighborhoods.
Current Grants:
The City of Norfolk is currently managing three Brownfield grants: An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assessment Grant, a Virginia Economic Development Partnership & Department of Environmental Quality Site Remediation Grant, and a Virginia Economic Development Partnership & Department of Environmental Quality Site Assessment & Planning Grant.
Ongoing Efforts:
In the EPA Assessment grant, ongoing Phase I/II environmental site assessments are carried out on priority sites within the City and provides support for redevelopment/reuse plans for sites. Through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership & Department of Environmental Quality Site Remediation Grant, the City is in the process of revitalizing designated parcels along E Water Street in Harbor Park through a resilient vision of open space design. Through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Department of Environmental Quality Site Assessment Grant, the City conducted Phase I/II ESAs and created a clean-up plan for parcels along Hampton Boulevard which currently has redevelopment interest.
What are Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)?
A Phase I ESA includes a historical review of records, interviews with site owners and occupants, local government officials, and a site inspection. A Phase II ESA evaluates soil and water conditions to identify any contamination present.
For more information, contact the Office of Resilience at norfolkRC@norfolk.gov