Future Land UseFeedback

In considering revitalization options, the stakeholders should review any previous plans prepared for the site. In the words of one experienced redeveloper of potentially contaminated sites, there may be benefit in “choosing a site where revitalization has failed” – the point is to learn from past attempts that may not have been fully successful. Moreover, where others have attempted to revitalize a site, key relationships and support for revitalization may have already been established upon which the current stakeholders can capitalize. The site for which previous attempts at revitalization were made typically will have more information available and will be better understood than a site that has not been examined with the intent of revitalization. Also review any failed revitalization plans available for adjacent sites. Even if those sites were not contaminated, some of the same reasons for failure may pertain to the subject site.

Documents and plans prepared in support of previous revitalization efforts are often available for review at state environmental agencies, local planning and zoning offices, or from the stakeholders involved with the previous effort. Much of this information will be revealed in the normal course of site assessment and appraisal, but it is helpful to obtain and review as much information as possible early in the process.