Number
020847
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
Resolution authorizing environmental testing, remediation and demolition on brownfield properties from the Development Fund. (DCD)
Analysis
This resolution will authorize and direct the Department of City Development to proceed with a proactive program of testing and remediation of brownfield sites with redevelopment potential, utilizing $350,000, which was appropriated to the Development Fund for this purpose.
Body
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee ("City") has recognized that brownfield properties, whose use and redevelopment are complicated by actual or perceived environmental contamination, are an important factor affecting tax delinquency, blight and other development issues facing the City; and
Whereas, Changes in State law, particularly regarding municipal liability exemptions and cost recovery, allow the City to be more aggressive in dealing with brownfields with limited risk; and
Whereas, The City desires to take a proactive approach toward reclaiming brownfields and specifically provided funds to the Department of City Development's Development Fund for brownfield activities as a replacement for the previously existing Environmental Testing Subfund; and
Whereas, Environmental testing is important to demonstrate either that properties are clean or to define the extent of contamination so that property transactions may occur; and
Whereas, Many brownfield properties, including those on the "Do Not Acquire" List, will continue to sit vacant and underutilized with back taxes continuing to build if environmental testing does not occur; and
Whereas, The additional funding will provide the Department of City Development with the tools and the flexibility needed to address brownfield sites, including testing, remediation, demolition and other costs, across the spectrum of brownfield properties including those on the "Do Not Acquire" List; now, therefore, be it
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