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  • 13 Nov 2024 11:48 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Dear NYCBP Members,

    As we wrap up a year of remarkable accomplishments at the NYC Brownfield Partnership (click here for our Annual Meeting highlights), I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your dedication and highlight some of the milestones we achieved in 2024.

    2024 Accomplishments:

    • Innovative Development Summit: We hosted our largest event to date, generating $33,000 from sponsors and registrants, with 28 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) issued. We’re excited to continue building on this success and make it an annual tradition.
    • Scholarships for the Next Generation: This year, we awarded 8 scholarships totaling $18,000, supporting students with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
    • Legislative and Policy Work: Our Legislative Committee was instrumental in providing guidance on critical legislative items, including advocating for the veto of Senate Bill S5868-B and Assembly Bill A7491-B, alongside supporting revisions to soil cleanup and vapor intrusion guidance to enhance site safety.
    • Big Apple Brownfield Awards (BABAs): The Events Committee organized a highly successful event at The Racket. With nearly double the attendance from last year, it raised $37,000 and honored seven exemplary projects. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Lee Ilan for exceptional contributions.

    We are also pleased to welcome William Fitchett from GEI to our Board of Directors. We look forward to his contributions as we plan for an impactful 2025. 

    As we expand our efforts, we seek leadership from our members to help drive our MWBE, education, and scholarship work. We’re currently seeking to fill two board seats in 2025, and we encourage those passionate about our mission to consider taking on leadership roles to advance these efforts.

    As we look forward to another year of growth, we encourage you to renew your membership and continue supporting our mission.

    Thank you all for your commitment to safe and healthy brownfield redevelopment. Let’s build on this momentum as we work towards another successful year!

    Warm regards,

    Laura Senkevitch
    Executive Director, NYC Brownfield Partnership

  • 17 Sep 2024 1:37 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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

  • 15 Jul 2024 2:54 PM | Laura Senkevitch (Administrator)


    Join us for an insightful and impactful event dedicated to the future of New York City’s environmental and construction landscape. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, engage in meaningful discussions, and gain valuable insights into sustainable practices and regulatory updates.

    Event Details:

    • Date: September 9, 2024
    • Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Location: NYC Bar Association, 42 West 44th Street, New York, NY

    Why Attend? The event will cover key themes such as the latest developments in environmental regulations, innovative sustainable remediation techniques, and effective community engagement strategies. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore case studies, participate in Q&A sessions with expert panelists, and network with professionals from both the public and private sectors. Discussions will also focus on New York State's green and sustainable remediation and climate resilience efforts, including offshore wind projects and the implementation of Local Law 97 for sustainable buildings.

    Professional Education Credits: NYS Professional Engineer and Professional Geologist credits will be available for attendees, providing an excellent opportunity to enhance your knowledge and professional development in the field. 

    Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details on registration and speakers. We look forward to seeing you there!


  • 22 May 2024 3:27 PM | Laura Senkevitch (Administrator)

    Earlier this year,  NYSDEC circulated its proposed amendments to 6 NYCRR Part 375 to conform to the 2015 Amendments to the DEC regulations with respect to the Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP).

    On May 20, 2024, NYCBP Vice President, George Duke of Connell Foley, shared NYCBP's comments on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Proposed Part 375 Revisions. They can be accessed: Here.

    Thank you to our many members who have collaborated with us for this review and submission. 

  • 17 Apr 2024 4:54 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    A Poem by Lee Ilan in honor of National Poetry Month and Poem in Your Pocket Day (April 18th) 

    When you enroll in the VCP
    You’re doing what is right
    And when you finish cleaning up
    Get a Green Plaque for your site

    Removing contaminated soil
    And containing harmful vapors
    Can bring kudos at the BABA awards
    (Versus jeers in all the papers)

    Benefits and regulations
    Will be explained by OER
    And once you get your building up
    You’ll be a brownfields star!

  • 20 Sep 2023 11:38 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    By Steve Dwyer

    Mohammed Wara, an undergraduate student at New York University's Schack Institute of Real Estate, fondly reminisces about late-night cab rides with his father. These unforgettable experiences ignited his passion for and aspiration to pursue a career in brownfield redevelopment. Mohammed is eager to embark on this career in the near future, and his selection as one of the eight 2023 Abbey Duncan Brownfield Scholarship Program recipients will further facilitate and expedite his journey. This annual program aims to provide financial support to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in New York City brownfields.

    "I used to join my father during his night shifts," Mohammed recalls. "It was our version of 'take your son to work' day. He showed me Manhattan's iconic high-rise architecture from the roads, bridges, and tunnels connecting the five boroughs. It's challenging for me to express the wonder I have for the city's real estate—it has been ingrained in me since childhood," he says.

    Samuel Syrop, a student at the City College of New York/The Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture, developed his curiosity about environmental issues at a young age. "Throughout the early 2000s, my mother was actively involved in protesting the Indian Point nuclear site near our home in Westchester County. I remember pondering the issues at hand: the health of the soil, water, and the overall ecosystem. The impact our modern culture can have on the environment is significant, as is its role in local economies and job creation," says Samuel.

    As a current MLA student at Spitzer, Samuel is forming his own opinions about prioritizing these issues, especially within the city's boundaries. "Brownfield remediation serves as a particularly compelling focal point for addressing urban inequality while supporting local ecology. Transforming a site too toxic for development into a place where people can contribute to a healthy community can be an exceptionally meaningful process. I couldn't think of a better mission to dedicate one's career," Samuel articulates.

    Nicholas Russell, a student at CUNY/Queens College, contemplates a career in environmental science. He emphasizes the importance of his membership in the Newtown Creek Superfund Community Advisory Group. Since 2020, Nick has witnessed firsthand the significance of integrating state Brownfield sites into remedial and redevelopment planning on a watershed scale.

    "Brownfield sites are numerous, and the groundwater transport of contaminants, such as PCBs, PFAS, and heavy metals, transforms a hydrological network of point sources into a diffuse groundwater transport system of contaminants at the watershed scale. The EPA is currently conducting a lateral groundwater study at Newtown Creek to develop a model of upland source contaminant transport into the Creek. This necessitates access and cooperation from both Primary Responsible Parties in the Federal Superfund process, as well as cooperation from State Superfund and Brownfield sites," explains Nick.

    He also notes the overlap between data and methods used by the DEC and EPA. However, Nick highlights the challenge of integrating upland Brownfield sites into the Newtown Creek Superfund conceptual site model, which has become clear to him through years of community meetings with the EPA. Nick emphasizes the need for a collaborative process between DEC and EPA to inform expeditious remedial action and advance Brownfield planning and redevelopment.

    These three ambitious rising professionals are joined by five others in receiving the Abbey Duncan Brownfield Scholarship, a program named in honor of Ms. Duncan, an avid environmentalist, talented dancer, and tireless community supporter who passed away several years ago, inspiring many along the way.

    Other recipients include Brenda Lau, a Master's Candidate in Urban Planning at Hunter College; Danielle Gartenberg, Hunter College; Kevin Orlic, CUNY; Benjamin Kalmanowitz, City College of New York; and Srisubrahmanya Nandula, New York University.

    Several scholarship recipients recently shared their life experiences that inspired them to pursue careers in brownfield redevelopment, the significance of the Abbey Duncan Scholarship in advancing their careers, and their specific career aspirations. Undoubtedly, there are numerous diverse opportunities to contribute to the brownfield redevelopment spectrum.

    Fueled By Life's Experiences

    For Srisubrahmanya Nandula, growing up as a hearing-impaired individual meant becoming a "visual learner." He explains, "I used my sight to learn about the world around me. Cities have always intrigued me. As a child, I spent hours sitting on my parents' balcony in India, watching the hustle and bustle of people, rickshaws, and cars. I memorized city maps, including the locations of streets, bus stations, and city landmarks to learn more about the cities that I love."

    This passion led him to pursue Geography, GIS, and Environmental Science during his undergraduate studies. "As a GIS Specialist at the New York City Parks Department, I've worked on numerous projects, including a physical census of the city's trees. Trees play a vital role in purifying our air, cooling urban areas, and minimizing floods. Designing and building effective parks, which include smart water retention ponds, can help combat the impacts of climate change."

    The Master's in Urban Planning program at New York University is a "critical step in helping me achieve my dreams. I am formally training and gaining exposure to disciplines such as finance and public policy. I'm learning the fundamentals of urban development, including land use law, environmental zoning, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. Thus far, the program has helped me build a multidisciplinary perspective, allowing me to think critically about cause and effect."

    Srisubrahmanya emphasizes that these learnings are critical as he works with his agency to build natural spaces and restore brownfields into parks, benefiting both the community and the climate.

    At Hunter College, Brenda Lau believes that "mission-driven development, whether for the manufacturing or affordable housing sector, is pertinent to my values as a planner and community steward."

    Brenda continues, "Through my work in project management at a non-profit industrial developer, I partner with community development entities (CDEs) to identify public investment financing streams, such as historic preservation tax credits, for the redevelopment of dilapidated industrial buildings into multi-tenanted manufacturing spaces."

    She remains "hopeful that leveraging these private funding streams for public investment may provide avenues to disrupt, or at least interrupt, patterns of inequitable development that pervade New York City."

    **Each scholarship recipient has been profoundly inspired by some life lesson—or lessons—as well as personal experiences.**

    From his earliest memories, Benjamin Kalmanowitz (City College of New York) harbored an "enduring affection for the natural world." He recalls the days of constructing "rudimentary forts in my backyard and embarking on adventurous camping journeys during my adolescence."

    He explains, "The outdoors always bestowed upon me a profound sense of tranquility, an escape from the noise of daily life. However, it's become evident that not everyone shares this deep connection to nature, and that's where my journey takes a turn."

    Recognizing the disparity in attitudes towards the environment prompted Benjamin to align his passion "with purpose. As I entered college, I sought to weave together my love for scientific exploration and mathematical analysis with a commitment to preserving the environment," he says. "This led me to the realm of environmental engineering. In this academic pursuit, I've embraced the role of a staunch advocate against pollution, particularly as it pertains to polluted brownfield sites. These sites stand as stark reminders of the ecological consequences of human activity."

    As a college student, Benjamin believes he's assuming the role of an environmental engineer who "ardently opposes the degradation of our planet. With a fusion of scientific knowledge and a resolute environmental consciousness, I'm driven to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: The fight against pollution, especially in neglected sites, fuels my determination to bridge the gap between awareness and action. It's about channeling my passion for the outdoors and my academic journey into a tangible force for positive change."

    Scholarship Accelerates Career Timetable

    The economic assistance provided by the Abbey Duncan Scholarship is helping the eight recipients in several unique ways. For Srisubrahmanya Nandula, it removes a substantial financial barrier as he pursues a master's degree. "I am very grateful for this as it empowers me, as a hearing-impaired individual, to gain additional confidence—and see a way that I can make an impact in my community. This scholarship provides the opportunity to gain exposure to a new community of professionals, research, and collaboration."

    Brenda Lau is grateful to the NYC Brownfield Partnership for supporting her through her fourth and final year in the MUP program at Hunter College. "To cap off my graduate studies, I am hoping to complete an independent study on how public benefit financing mechanisms, such as brownfield remediation tax credits, can alleviate economic stressors for vulnerable communities in the midst of gentrifying neighborhoods," Brenda says.

    Mohammed Wara, responsible for funding his education as his father is the sole earner of the household, sees the scholarship helping pay for housing during the Fall 2023 semester and to buy essentials, such as groceries. "I am entering my senior year and want to meet professionals in the industry. With new connections and knowledge, I can work to be a contributing member of brownfield development projects," he says.

    Other recipients cited similar sentiments about the magnitude of the Duncan scholarship. Samuel sees every dollar of assistance making a compelling difference, especially in New York City. "It's reassuring to know that there are people and organizations out there that support students interested in the brownfield redevelopment industry," he says.

    Nick is a "non-traditional" (i.e., older) student with a family who returned to school to make a career transition to urban coastal and watershed science. The Abbey Duncan scholarship is "a weight off my shoulders—one that anyone in my position can immediately understand. I am truly humbled and grateful."

    Nick believes the scholarship is "perfectly in line with my educational trajectory. I really did go back to the drawing board when I enrolled in the Environmental Science program at LaGuardia Community College, which I can say without reservation, was a life-changing experience. My academic and research interests have evolved at every juncture, and the support provided by this scholarship will give me room to breathe, concentrate, and take my next step in the journey toward a career as an environmental scientist," Nick states.

    As for Benjamin, the scholarship carries the potential to alleviate significant burdens from his family's shoulders. One of the most invaluable aspects of the scholarship lies in its ability to shield him from the weight of student loans, and thus "pursue my studies without distractions. As a sophomore, its impact resonates far beyond the realm of financial relief but empowers me to dedicate myself entirely to my educational journey," he says.

    Looking Forward

    As the recipients look ahead, all have unique visions that are ambitious, if not altruistic. With a degree in Urban Planning, Srisubrahmanya's dream is helping New York City and other cities in the United States and around the world develop and utilize their natural spaces to counter the impacts of climate change.

    "I strongly believe that trees and parks are one of the most important tools we have in preserving our communities. Brownfield spaces are an excellent source and opportunity to redevelop natural spaces and revitalize communities. I hope to be a strong champion for the redevelopment of brownfield spaces within the New York City government," he says.

    Brenda Lau, a part-time graduate student and full-time Assistant Project Manager at a non-profit industrial developer, has been able to combine her professional pursuits in equitable economic development with academic interests in environmental justice and community advocacy.

    "I consistently ask how we can sustain local economies and create opportunities for inclusive participatory design—design meaning both physical infrastructure and grounding community principles. I am interested in continuing to pursue work in community-controlled real estate development, such as social housing financing initiatives or community land trust ownership models," she says.

    As Benjamin looks ahead and sizes up the intricate world of brownfield redevelopment, he's particularly drawn to addressing the complex challenges associated with soil contaminants. He notes that an environmental engineer can play a pivotal role in revitalizing abandoned or polluted lands—transforming them into safe and vibrant community spaces. Within this context, "I envision myself engaging in cutting-edge research to develop innovative technologies for soil remediation. I'm driven to explore advanced techniques such as phytoremediation and bioremediation, thereby harnessing the power of nature and science to restore contaminated soils efficiently and ecologically."

    "As I think about my future in landscape and crafting and building spaces, I like to think about where my efforts may have the greatest impact," says Samuel. "It's one thing to take a good place and make something great of it, but it's an entirely different thing to take something toxic or off-limits and revive it into a functional space, both ecologically speaking as well as socially."

  • 20 Jun 2023 10:02 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The NYC Brownfield Partnership is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Big Apple Brownfield Awards. You can download a pdf of the award flyer here.


  • 2 Jun 2023 3:41 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The NYC Brownfield Partnership serves as a primary resource for information on brownfields and brownfields redevelopment in New York City and beyond. The New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) has been instrumental in offering a robust environmental cleanup program by incentivizing private sector remediation and redevelopment efforts.

    However, a challenge has arisen with Proposed Bill S5868. This bill links certain tax credits, site acceptance, and ongoing participation in the BCP to prevailing wage compliance – a link that may have a severe detrimental effect on the functioning of the BCP.  We acknowledge the intention behind prevailing wage but question the effectiveness of its inclusion in this bill and believe that reconsideration of this requirement is warranted to ensure alignment with the BCP’s initial legislative goals.

    To better understand our concerns and proposed alternatives, the Partnership offers a detailed commentary on the bill, which is available here.

    Please review the commentary to grasp the potential implications and challenges posed by this bill to the BCP and its stakeholders. The Partnership remains committed to excellence in responsible brownfield redevelopment and fostering collaboration among developers, government agencies, and community groups.

    Posted June 2, 2023

  • 8 May 2023 12:09 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    By Steve Dwyer 

    This is a narrative about a professional life well lived. About steadfast—and effective—service to two not-for-profit brownfield entities. 

    Susan Boyle is retiring, doing it “cold turkey-style,” resting comfortably so that as she passes the batons, “all the pieces are in place” for brighter futures. 

    Sue, first and foremost, is retiring from her “day job” as an environmental remediation leader at GEI Consultants Inc. But that retirement has a domino effect, as she’s also stepping aside from her dual roles as contracted executive director of the New York City Brownfield Partnership and Brownfield Coalition of the Northeast (BCONE). 

    These affiliations lasted longer than Sue had originally anticipated. After working 27 years on the public side of the environmental remediation sector with the New Jersey Hazardous Waste Facilities Siting Commission and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Sue entered the private sector in 2008 when she joined GEI Consultants. 

    Summing up the career ride, Sue told me that she’s tinged with a “bittersweet sentiment because I love running organizations. But there are other things in life,” that Sue can’t wait to start pursuing.

    “I plan to go ‘cold turkey’ and totally step away for at least six months. I can’t wait to not have to set an alarm clock—and I’m thrilled about the idea of drinking a cup of coffee before it gets cold!” 

    Read ahead for a recent conversation with Sue on the past, present and future. 

    Q: Take us back to the beginning and your recollection of joining the Partnership?

    SB: I was not around when the Partnership started in 2006—I came on board in 2008, and applied to become a board member. As I became involved, it became clear to me that the Partnership some contracted staff—it had originally been operated by New York City’s Office of Environmental Remediation (OER) staff.  That was a lot to take on and effectively deliver on expectations to support and grow the organization. We had the Big Apple Brownfield Awards (BABAs) and Brownfield Scholarship Program to plan and execute. No doubt, they needed external help, so I talked to the Partnership Board about hiring me an executive director. It was a very part-time role, but one that was necessary for the organization. On the BCONE front, I helped shape the mission, bylaws, policies and procedure—I had a voice in that from the outset, whereas the Partnership had already established that. Regarding both organizations, it was important to implement such polices as board term limits so we could hear form new professionals, and give them a seat at the table. Former Board Member, Mary Manto of Tenen Environmental was the champion of that effort for the Partnership.

    Q: What was the early reception of non-for-profit brownfields organizations among brownfield professionals in the region? 

    SB: I think it was well received. The bylaws that were promulgated by The Partnership [and BCONE] were clear and had a solid vision. One thing we were eager to have was a blending of both public and private professionals involved, to establish an eclectic balance across all professional capacities—this would include environmental consultants, attorneys, environmental insurance, lenders, architects, and others. It’s been an ongoing mission—and challenge—to engage with and bring in some of these professional capacities to a greater degree outside of the core consultant and environmental attorney world. The Partnership [and BCONE] has made great strides along these lines. 

    Q: At the outset of your affiliations with the Partnership, and even into 2023, what are some areas you’d like to see improved upon? 

    SB: One of the frustrations I’ve always cited is that we offered excellent pro bono services to both public and private sectors—it was very frustrating that more organizations  didn’t take advantage of those services. It was a question of, how do we reach them in the first place? 

    At BCONE, what has been challenging is getting information out—spreading the word—about successful redevelopment projects that go live. We have so many environmental consultants  who are involved on the front end of a project cycle, but unfortunately many are long gone by the time redevelopments  go live. We want to shine a light on so many of the success stories, but need a better mechanism to do so. At the Partnership, the BABAs serve as a great vehicle to help shine a light on the ‘success stories.’ With BCONE, one vital stride that needs to occur is growing membership rolls—I think it’s experienced slower growth than we had anticipated. BCONE has such a large geographic footprint that the question is ‘how can we offer services to states from  Maine to Maryland ? And, both organizations have long been environmental consultant-heavy in representation, so we’ve always strived to branch out to be more inclusive. 

    Q: What are some of the professional aspects about new Partnership executive director Laura Senkevitch that allows you to step way confident about the future—and also as it relates to BCONE executive director Anne Lazo?

    SB: They both know their respective organizations very well. Take Laura: she knows so much about taking non-profits forward, having held leadership roles in both fundraising and program development at Human Rights First and Fortune Society. She has significant experience across such areas as donor cultivation, program development, strategic partnership management, non-profit board governance, and more. She’ll work extremely well with the Partnership leadership team of [President] Ezgi [Karayel], [Vice President] George [Duke], [Treasurer] Michele [Rogers] and [Secretary] MariCate [Conlon]. She knows and understands the board, having served as a board member. Laura is also an excellent networker. Anne Lazo has been BCONE’s webmaster for quite a while, and has literally read every word about BCONE—she’s probably the only person besides me who has. Anne knows the group and knows the people. She is incredibly knowledgeable about the BCONE organization. She also has many years of experience consulting with businesses and non-profit organizations. I’m also very heartened that both BCONE and the Partnership have hired administrative assistants in Michele Hurley [BCONE] and Marianne Leone [Partnership]. I think we have grown the professional services area to where you have the right mix of staff—and that all the piece are in place.

    Q: What do you plan to do with all this newfound free time on your hands? 

    SB: I plan to go ‘cold turkey’ and totally step away for at least six months from Partnership activities. I can’t wait to not have to set an alarm clock anymore—and I’m thrilled about the idea of drinking a cup of coffee before it gets cold! 

    Posted May 8, 2023

  • 1 May 2023 7:10 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Becoming new Partnership Executive Director a true "joy" for Senkevitch 

    By Steve Dwyer 

    Calling it “an easy and natural fit,” Laura Senkevitch took over as Executive Director of the New York City Brownfield Partnership, effective May 1. 

    In succeeding retiring executive Susan Boyle, Senkevitch is armed with a laser-sharp focus that is sure to impact Partnership goals and objectives in 2023 and beyond. In taking over the post, Senkevitch relinquishes her board seat as Vice President to George Duke. 

    Senkevitch is also armed with a double-edged advantage of comprehensively grasping the dynamics underpinning NYC and state-wide brownfields since joining the Partnership more than a decade ago. In addition, she boasts a significant amount of experience within the not-for-profit sector, having held leadership roles in both fundraising and program development at organizations such as, currently, Human Rights First and the Fortune Society. 

    Holding a Master of Science degree from Pratt Institute in environmental systems management, Senkevitch brings 15 years of experience to the table anchored in donor cultivation, program development, strategic partnership management, and non-profit board governance.

    She is eager to work in lock step with the Partnership leadership team of President Ezgi Karayel, Vice President Duke, Treasurer Michele Rogers and Secretary Mari Cate Conlon. 

    Stepping aside from the board post was not a relatively hard decision for Senkevitch because, over six-plus years as a board member, she believes she’s helped wring effective results from that seat. Walking into the new role actually serves as her “new destiny,” she says. “I love the Partnership, and I can’t wait to get started. I’ve been affiliated with the organization for more than a decade, and was eventually appointed a board member in 2016. The bottom line is that I know and understand the non-profit sector very well. This is a meaningful opportunity to me.”  

    Senkevitch spoke about several front- and back-burner priorities she’s most eager to tackle within the brownfield redevelopment realm as this new organizational chapter commences, including: 

    Legislation. Chiefly, the continued funding of the State’s Brownfield tax credit program and New York City’s Voluntary Cleanup Programs, to ensure that formerly contaminated properties are appropriately remediated for new uses and with the protection of human and environmental health the top priority. “We need to keep finger to the pulse on the continued future and evolution of these key and essential programs. One solution to this is for those with a stake in the VCP and state tax credit programs to understand what is at stake: we need to cut through the legalese and articulate the key benefits of these programs—doing so by providing both Partnership members and even those on the outside looking in—perhaps would-be Partnership members—with easy and digestible content about both programs so they can fully grasp the opportunities in front of them,” she says. 

    Diversity & Outreach. Laura is a big proponent for the concept of promoting and creating training opportunities to open doors to anyone eager to break into and thrive in this work, including the next generation of brownfield practitioners. How do we do it best? Provide the most effective tools so they can better thrive in the brownfield sector.” Speaking about “outreach,” Laura says that it’s incumbent upon the membership to leverage their skills and knowledge more holistically. “That means taking more leadership positions within the confines of the Partnership, but also externally as they engage with other professionals. They key is to not be ‘siloed.’” 

    More on Training/Development/Professional Recruitment. “I have a soft spot for professional development and training. I got my chops in this area in 2012, with the Fortune Society overseeing the green job initiatives—that’s where my affiliation with the Partnership commenced. I’m eager to see the Partnership endorse, even sponsor, the concept of professional training and development curriculums geared to formerly incarcerated individuals, for example, as well as individuals from all educational backgrounds. The Partnership has already made inroads in this area, but it would be great to elevate and amplify that advocacy. 
    I also see it vital to recruit more experts, across disciplines such as developers, engineers, policy advocates, architects, and more—bring them into the brownfield fold. They may not have an affinity for our industry, but that’s the point—bring them in through better outreach, via workshops, social events, events. Many don’t realize the opportunities they have within this context.” 

    On any conflicting feelings about relinquishing her board seat. “Not at all. Since we have a game plan for succession planning, I realized that being on the board was not a ‘forever thing,’ so I was mentally prepared to step away from the board. My tenure traces to 2016 when 
    I became secretary, and eventually VP in 2021. I had a sustained board tenure of about seven years, so I guess you could say that I was willingly kicked out.”  

    How BABAs can acknowledge not only winners but non-winning projects. “I think it’s important to celebrate the impact all these projects have on the community—they’re not isolated incidents by any stretch, but the end results of these projects is that they foster and facilitate public health, quality of neighborhoods, and more. I think it behooves us to show and demonstrate how all BABA-nominated projects fit into the bigger picture—more than winning an award or not. It’s about the long-term impacts they deliver.” 

    Environmental justice. Community input and overall public-private transparency—building bridges not walls—all are touchstones to practicing EJ. Laura says that preventing residential displacement and anything that begets gentrification is Job 1. “This goes back to the fact we need to look at the bigger picture—the so-called 30,000-foot view.” 

    Continued growth, evolution of Abbey Duncan Scholarship program (for undergrad and grad students in the NYC region). Student-recipients know how valuable the financial and network opportunities can be for them to pursue careers in environmental science, geology, engineering. 
    “It’s not about making the Scholarship program ‘better’ so much as continuing on the path of growth. It’s about giving back and promoting the next generation. If we could get more capitalization to support the program, I would love to see it—to increase the scholarship sum to scholarship recipients and expand opportunities for the student-recipients. It’s all part of seeing the bigger picture.” 

    Industry events both in-person and remotely. “I’m so happy for regular and ongoing in-person events—there’s so much attendees can get out of them. Experimentation had to be done, obviously, during the pandemic. We found that professional development training done remotely allowed more people to access events as they were easier to organize. In certain cases, remote webinars are the way to go. But with in-person events the most compelling benefit is being able to mingle with like-minded professionals—all things you can’t accomplish on a Zoom. In person, I can now introduce other people to one another, link one professional to another. It binds them.” 

    On taking the ED baton from Sue. “While I don’t think I’ll need ‘training wheels’ for this position, it will nevertheless be bittersweet…because Sue is not there, and it will be at first hard to adjust to that. I think about all the ‘wrangling’ Sue has done over the years. Let’s put it this way: I will be essentially missing her in the room.”
     
    THE SENKEVITCH FILE: Prior to joining Human Rights First, Laura served as the Associate Vice President of Education and Employment Services at The Fortune Society, a human services and advocacy organization that holistically serves justice-involved individuals and their families, where she created, and raised funds for data-driven high-impact programming, including an EPA-funded course. 

    As a member of the New York City Brownfield Partnership for more than a decade, Laura has served on their board of directors since 2016. She has advised on annual awards ceremony, industry education programming, grant-giving initiatives, and scholarship fundraising activities. Laura holds a Master of Science degree in Urban Environmental Systems Management from Pratt Institute and a Bachelor degree in Environmental Studies from Pace University. 

    Posted May 1, 2023

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