As New York City races to meet ambitious sustainability and housing goals, innovative approaches to redevelopment are crucial. Last Monday, September 9, 2024, the New York City Brownfield Partnership’s Innovative Development Summit brought together industry development leaders, policymakers, environmental consultants, engineers, scientists, and environmental advocates to discuss specific methods and tools to address the challenges and opportunities of brownfield sites.

The summit explored how cutting-edge remediation techniques, renewable energy integration, and community engagement can be used to transform brownfield sites into vibrant, sustainable developments. With discussions ranging from regulatory updates deep diving into the most recent legislative updates to environmental construction permitting, the event inspired and informed stakeholders about the future of urban revitalization. 

One standout session covered New York's Local Law 97, which imposes aggressive carbon reduction targets for NYC. Another session’s presenters discussed environmental concerns and financial incentives for renewable energy projects and showcased specific examples as to how brownfield redevelopment can align with the City’s clean energy goals for the future.

Evelyn Hussey, Jared Donaldson, and Brianna Scharf with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) traveled from Albany to present on tracking and reporting metrics of the Department’s new Green and Sustainable Remediation (GSR) initiative, which is aimed at integrating environmentally responsible practices into the cleanup of contaminated sites. This initiative promotes the use of sustainable technologies and approaches in remediation projects, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing efficiency and long-term effectiveness. 

Keynote speaker Ariel Iglesias of EPA Region 2 emphasized federal priorities in land and chemical management, reinforcing the government’s role in shaping sustainable redevelopment. This highlights the collaborative spirit necessary to overcome the challenges posed by New York’s unique urban fabric. 

In the afternoon, attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from the NYC Mayor’s Office of Environmental Remediation (OER). Acting Director Shaminder Chawla, and Assistant Directors Maurizio Bertini and Zach Schreiber provided a technical overview of OER’s Voluntary Cleanup Program, Noise and Air Quality Work Plans, and the first-ever city-operated Clean Soil Bank and Stockpile Program, a novel initiative that facilitates the transfer of clean soil between construction sites. The Clean Soil Bank has already reduced CO2 emissions by 4,800 metric tons and shortened truck trips by 2.2 million miles, helping lead the way to reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment in NYC.

What set this conference apart was its focus on real-world solutions—demonstrating how private and public partnerships can successfully transform environmental liabilities into community assets. Brownfield redevelopment is no longer just a legal or technical issue; it's an opportunity to foster equity, build resilience, and drive economic growth. As New York strives to become greener and more inclusive, the conversations at this summit will be pivotal in steering us toward a sustainable urban future.

All proceeds from the conference were allocated to the NYC Brownfield Partnership’s Scholarship Program. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank all attendees and our generous sponsors for their support, and we look forward to seeing you at future events. 

Ezgi Karayel	George Duke
President, NYCBP	Vice President, NYCBP
Principal, vEKtor Consultants	Partner, Connell Foley

Treasurer: Michele Rogers, Blue World Construction

Secretary: Mari Cate Conlon, Haley & Aldrich of New York

Elizabeth Burgess, Langan

Erik Dreijer, PVE

Joel Rogers, Factor Group

Matt Carroll, Tenen Environmental, LLC

Matthew J. Sinkman, Gibbons P.C.

Mindy Horowitz, Matrix New World Engineering

Victoria Whelan, GZA

Executive Director: Laura Senkevitch, FIURN LLC