Buffalo Niagara’s physical growth and development is a critical component towards a revitalized and economically sustainable future. Since 1970, our region’s urbanized land area has grown by 78% while we lost 16% of our population; this equation must change if we are to be an affordable place to live, work and do business.
The Development Advisory Council is a broad cross-section of leading development, construction, and real estate professionals in Western New York who aim to support policy, collaboration, and educational opportunities around the sustainable redevelopment of Buffalo Niagara.
New York State’s Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) has been instrumental in the redevelopment and
resurgence of Western New York.
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation defines a brownfield site as “any real property
where a contaminant is present at levels exceeding the soil cleanup objectives or other health-based or
environmental standards.” Typically, these sites formerly hosted heavy industry or chemical operations.
The presence of brownfields is a problem for communities. These sites require environmental remediation
to be utilized, which is expensive.
BCP stimulates private investment to clean sites that would otherwise remain contaminated
and underutilized.
Through the BCP, developers willing to incur the cost of cleaning up a Brownfield site receive a tax credit
to help finance environmental remediation and redevelopment. The BCP stimulates private investment by
making cost-prohibitive projects possible.
However, the BCP is in jeopardy. If Governor Hochul and the State Legislature do not renew it in the 2022
Budget, this essential program will expire.
01.01.21: The Buffalo News: Another Voice: Brownfield Cleanup Program has made Buffalo cleaner, more vibrant
Benjamin N. Obletz
Council Vice Chair
President
First Amherst Development
The BNP focuses on economic growth and expansion of existing businesses with programs and initiatives aimed at increasing private sector jobs and investments in the Buffalo Niagara region. Many of these initiatives are successful because of the direct input and support from members of our Development Advisory Council. Here are some examples of past and ongoing initiatives that are a critical component in creating a revitalized and economically sustainable future.
Want to connect with some of the most engaged developers in the region? Fill out the form below or contact Liz Benkovich at (716) 541-1759 for more information.
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