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2011 Brownfield Renewal Person of the Year Nominees

	Flora McCormack , Director of Special Projects — Michigan Association of Counties (25+)
Reason: Flora M. McCormack – Director of Special Projects Michigan Association of Counties Tireless, inspirational, passionate, kindhearted……words that reflect the nature of an individual that has been in love with her career and especially the … Flora M. McCormack – Director of Special Projects Michigan Association of Counties Tireless, inspirational, passionate, kindhearted……words that reflect the nature of an individual that has been in love with her career and especially the people that she has worked with for over 25 years. Throughout her career, either as a representative with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources/Environmental Quality, as an Environmental Administrator for Wayne County, as a private consultant and now as Program Director for the Michigan Association of Counties, Flo McCormack has always found ways to inspire and help her constituents to envision a future full of opportunity. A common theme throughout her career has been helping people work together to find sustainable ways to manage the environmental challenges that they faced in their communities. During the initial stages of her career, working for Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources/Environmental Quality, Flo worked throughout the State helping communities evaluate their solid waste management alternatives acting as a liaison between local officials and citizens trying to reach compromise over a very sensitive issue. These efforts were employed in over 31 of Michigan’s 83 counties. Flo’s experience also included facilitating the State’s, Governor appointed, Environmental Technology Board tasked with investigating waste reduction technology development needs. Her desire to find solutions for improving opportunities for waste reduction and market development research continued with administering the Pollution Prevention and Market Development Programs and the Solid Waste Alternatives Grant and Loan Program. If these activities weren’t challenging enough, Flo continued her career with Wayne County, Michigan, the largest urban county in the State. She was responsible for developing the mission and organizational structure of the newly formed Wayne County Department of Environment. During her tenure at Wayne County, she recognized the critical need to continue bringing people together in order for the area to be successful. This effort culminated in several notable, successful programs including the City of Detroit and Wayne County Regional Summit on Sustainable Development. Securing funding from the Environmental Protection Agency, this successful summit focused on integrating environmental and economic growth concerns. At the summit, it became clear that broad segments of the public must be involved to develop workable solutions to address both environmental and economic issues confronting older urban areas including the seemingly infinite supply of brownfield sites in this County. A legacy of programs continues throughout the region as a result of this summit and Flo’s efforts. While working on the EPA funded Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project, Flo’s determination to secure $100,000 from EPA represented the first “brownfield money” to be awarded in Michigan. This funding and her experience with brownfield sites in Detroit and Wayne County, lead to her working with communities across the state that didn’t have the resources or expertise to address the enormous supply of brownfield sites that were impeding the ability of these communities to move forward. Currently and for the previous seven years, Flo McCormack has been Special Projects Program Director for the Michigan Association of Counties. This long standing association serves the needs of Michigan’s 83 counties. Flo is responsible for the creation of the Grant Services Program. This program focuses on leveraging funds which allow communities to overcome the many barriers to local economic development. She has traveled the State educating and sharing her knowledge to numerous counties and local units of government. Education is one thing, yet many communities need funds and Flo has delivered, drafting over 50 EPA Brownfield Grant applications over the years resulted in many with successful outcomes. Through the Grant Services Program, Flo and her staff provide technical implementation and grant management assistance which resulted in a “Preferred Consultant” program offering pro-bono, grant-writing services. The resources and tools associated with brownfield redevelopment that Flo has brought to these communities continue to act as a catalyst leveraging millions of dollars in new investment. Many counties didn’t understand how Michigan’s Brownfield Laws allowed for the creation of Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities which can utilize tax increment to fund eligible brownfield costs. Flo has been instrumental throughout the State in assisting with the creation many Authorities. Having traveled hundreds of thousands of road miles across the Upper and Lower Peninsula of Michigan giving presentations, facilitating educational seminars, attending meetings, interfacing with the EPA and MDEQ and developers has resulted in a resource unmatched in the State of Michigan. Michigan has been recognized throughout the Country as a leader in Brownfield Redevelopment. The high level of participation and success with Michigan’s brownfield programs throughout Michigan’s counties is due in large part to Ms. McCormack’s tireless efforts. In short, Flo McCormack is the unsung heroine behind countless Michigan brownfield redevelopment success stories, and is deserving of Brownfield Renewal’s Person of the Year recognition. read more

	Javier Weckmann , Vice President — Tetra-Tech (20+ at least )
Reason: Mr. Weckmann is responsible for managing all matters relative to the development of the Boulevards at South Bay project in Carson CA. This project is being billed as the largest shopping … Mr. Weckmann is responsible for managing all matters relative to the development of the Boulevards at South Bay project in Carson CA. This project is being billed as the largest shopping center development in Los Angeles County. Which, in it's own right would be a difficult task to manage. Given that the entire 163 acre site sits atop a former municipal waste landfill makes the task somewhat dubious. Javier has been responsible for championing this project from the beginning (over 5 years ago). His responsibilities have included meeting with investors, establishing a design and construction team, negotiating with the governing agencies, design coordination, construction scheduling, community out reach, company acquisition, etc etc. What has impressed me most about working with Javier is that he will not settle for the quote un-quote “standard” solution. He is a very creative thinker and he encourages his team to work the same way. I believe this project has achieved some very innovative mitigation strategies for dealing with typical landfill (Brownfield) contaminants. Javier has always looked to involve the governing agencies for concurrence with all propsed resolutions. For what it is worth, Javier always seems to be in good spirits and full of energy despite the stresses of the project. The entire project team seems to feed off of his positive outlook and being a part of this project has been a pleasurable experience for myself. Currently the project is governed by the City of Carson, The Department of Toxic Substance Control, The LA County Environmental Programs Division, The Water Board and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Here is a description of the project, taken from the Boulevards at South Bay Website: The Boulevards at South Bay will meld residential, retail, entertainment and hospitality uses for a growing population to live, work and play in the hub of the South Bay! What was once an unremediated municipal landfill is now set to provide a superb example of what can be done to put fallow urban land back into productive use. • Largest shopping center development site in LA County • 168 acres of property with 2,200 feet of frontage along I-405 • Planned retail opening in 2012 • Convenient freeway access from Avalon Boulevard • Served by four major Southland freeways (405, 91, 710, 110) • Minutes from Orange County and West Los Angeles • 1.25 million sf of retail shops, including power and entertainment/lifestyle uses • More than 70,000 sf of sit-down and quick-serve restaurants • A 16-screen cinema, plus other entertainment venues • Over 1,500 for-sale and for-rent residential units • 300 hotel rooms read more

	Mario Leone , Borough Manager — Borough of Monaca (4)
Reason: Received Brownfield Grant … Received Brownfield Grant read more

	Bill Finch , Mayor — City of Bridgeport CT (10+ years)
Reason: Long time proponent of sustainability,transit oriented development, enhanced infrastructure, and economic redevelopment through brownfields revitalization. Implemented all of these priorities as Bridgeport City Council member, State Senator for the 22nd district in … Long time proponent of sustainability,transit oriented development, enhanced infrastructure, and economic redevelopment through brownfields revitalization. Implemented all of these priorities as Bridgeport City Council member, State Senator for the 22nd district in CT, Mayor of Bridgeport, member of the Advisory Board of the US Conference of Mayors. As State Senator, was Chairman of the Environment Committee and moved CT's first brownfields bill into law. As Council member, was instrumental in construction of Bluefish Baseball Stadium on a brownfields site, the Arena at Harbor Yard, and Steel Point projects. As Mayor, put together the B Green 2020 sustainability plan for the City and added the splendid Housatonic Community College to the downtown scene in a defunct Sears store, adding a dynamic educational institution with an astounding art collection that truly embodies the Mayor's belief that the most important way to protect the environment is to build cities that work. read more

	Joe Boren , Chairman — Ironshore Insurance, Environmental, New York Regional Executive (20+)
Reason: Nobody in the insurance industry has done more to promote and fund brownfield clean-ups and promote a cleaner environment than Joe, going back to his tenure at AIG Environmental, sort of a … Nobody in the insurance industry has done more to promote and fund brownfield clean-ups and promote a cleaner environment than Joe, going back to his tenure at AIG Environmental, sort of a Lifetime Acheivement Award. read more

	Ms. Drake Patten , Director — The Steel Yard (5)
Reason: Over the five years in her role as the Director of the non-profit, The Steel Yard, Drake Patten has captured a unique vision and affected real change in the blighted industrial valley … Over the five years in her role as the Director of the non-profit, The Steel Yard, Drake Patten has captured a unique vision and affected real change in the blighted industrial valley of Providence, Rhode Island. She not only took on the job of running the organization; she inherited the task of converting their derelict industrial site from a Brownfield to a ‘campus’ that serves their mission of teaching and providing job training in the fabrication arts. Not afraid of digging in the dirt, Drake knew that in order to make her organization reach its next level of potential, she had to lead the process of capping the 3.5-acre site. With limited funds, Drake hired a design team led by landscape architects including various disciplines of engineers and environmental scientists. Together with the staff and various stakeholders, the team developed a predominantly landscape based solution that accomplishes many things; properly caps the site, manages storm water, meets the budget restrictions, provides landscape spaces for furthering of the organization’s programs and future, and serves as a de facto public park for the re-emerging neighborhood. Drake knew that the best solution was not the easiest solution and listened to the team’s recommendations, which suggested thinking beyond a straightforward capping of the leaden soil, and instead providing increased environmental benefits by managing stormwater and providing a public open space amenity in a neighborhood that has none. Drake in turn challenged the design team to do all of that within a construction budget of less than 1 million dollars and to do it in such a way that ensured the spatial flexibility that would allow the organization to grow and change. Enthused by the multivalent quality of the design, Drake was undeterred by the complex regulatory path ahead. By creating not just a perfunctory singular solution to cap the site, but instead providing several capping conditions, the project was complex to begin with; and the addition of the management of stormwater increased the complexity by several fold. The dual challenges of capping contaminated soil and managing storm water without using large cost-prohibitive detention structures required an extensive regulatory process with DEM and the State and local stormwater agencies. In fact the project was held up in the regulatory process for close to 18 months. In this time Drake did not waiver in her commitment to the project but rather continued to push and fight for the project with whomever she could reach. Eventually, her persistence paid off and the project was approved with its intended design and given the go ahead for construction. Due to Drake’s leadership and persistence, this industrial Providence Brownfield has become a destination that serves people with diverse interests and skills and has generated a new sense of community in the forgotten neighborhood of the city. To date, the Yard has hosted many popular and growing-in-attendance public events as well as educated and job-trained increasing numbers of individuals each year. In 2011 in addition to offering expanded education and training opportunities, the Yard serves as a venue for music, dance, weddings, art markets, movies, and a writers’ series. The new landscape facilitates these user-driven and volunteer-run opportunities for community engagement and neighborhood development. This quote says it all regarding the impact this project has had on the City of Providence: “We embedded lessons from the Steel Yard in the city’s comprehensive plan, so it will have an impact on the process for a long time.” – Congressman David Cicilline, former mayor of Providence And, people are buzzing! Since it’s opening in September 2010, The Steel Yard Brownfield project has been written about extensively (see list below) and garnered many awards from many different organizations, all recognizing the unique ground-breaking project led by the Drake Patten. Awards include: Honor Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects, Historic Preservation Award from the State of Rhode Island and the Providence Historical Society, Great Places Award from The Environmental Design Resource Association, and an Honor Award from the Boston Society of Landscape Architects. “Rising from the Ashes.” in Metropolis: Game Changers 2011. January 2011 “Case Study: The Steel Yard.” in Principles of Brownfield Regeneration. Justin Hollander, Niall Kirkwood, Julia Gold. Island Press, 2010 “At Industrial Sites, the Landscape Shifts” in The Boston Globe. Robert Campbell. May 1, 2011 “Heavy Metal: The Steel Yard is all cleaned up and ready for new beginnings.” in Providence Monthly. Alyssa Smith. August 2010 read more

	Regina Winters , Principal — Zared Enterprises (15)
Reason: Ms. Winters has been a champion for urban communities nationally and has worked with not-for-profit development corporations, faith-based agencies, municipalities and the like on initiatives that have transformed communities across the … Ms. Winters has been a champion for urban communities nationally and has worked with not-for-profit development corporations, faith-based agencies, municipalities and the like on initiatives that have transformed communities across the country. As part of the national brownfield consulting team, Vita Nuova, she has assisted communities in Toledo, OH, Indianapolis, IN and Portland OR. In Bridgeport, Connecticut, she has served as a planner and facilitator in at-risk urban communities with concerns for waterfront recapture, food-desert mitigation, brownfield redevelopment and sustainable design. read more

	Dan Walsh , Director — New York City Office Of Environmental Remediation (25)
Reason: Dr. Walsh directs the NYCOER with a hands on approach. This gives developers in NYC a confortable feeling and a willingness to sign onto the new New York City Brownfield Program. Everytime … Dr. Walsh directs the NYCOER with a hands on approach. This gives developers in NYC a confortable feeling and a willingness to sign onto the new New York City Brownfield Program. Everytime I attend a meeting with the NYCOER concerning a new or ongoing Brownfield Project he is always there offering inovative but easily attaniable approach to remediation. Our clients, the developers, alwasy comments on how they want to enter the program. I because they believe the OER will be able to help them with the NYC BCP program. The OER does follow through with their promise and is always there to offer us and our clients help with the BCP process. The NYC OER spearhead by Dr. Walsh has provided developers in NYC a solutions for moderately contaminated sites and this has helped significantly with the developement of Brownfields in NYC. Without this program it is possible that sites would not be getting developed. ________________________________________________________________________________ Dan single handedly started the first municipal run cleanup program in New York City. The program is running very successfully. Dan single handedly started the first municipal run cleanup program in New York City. The program is running very successfully. read more

	Mayor Nutter , Mayor — City of Philadelphia ()
Reason: outstanding work promoting green drainage systems and encoraging private cleanup. … outstanding work promoting green drainage systems and encoraging private cleanup. read more

	James Harless , PhD, CHMM, Vice President — Soil and Materials Engineers (33)
Reason: Dr. James Harless, CHMM is a visionary expert in brownfield redevelopment and financing. From navigating legislative issues, grant writing, environmental due diligence, quality control testing and environmental management, his expertise and … Dr. James Harless, CHMM is a visionary expert in brownfield redevelopment and financing. From navigating legislative issues, grant writing, environmental due diligence, quality control testing and environmental management, his expertise and leadership have resulted in creative, sustainable solutions and funding approaches that have helped communities, developers and residents reap long-term economic, social and environmental benefits. The scale, scope and success of the brownfield projects on which he has been involved - from the preservation of an historic battlefield to industrial and advanced manufacturing, commercial, new urbanism, residential, historic preservation and renewable energy projects, and work with more than 40 communities on economic development projects involving brownfield sites – have established him as an authority on brownfield redevelopment and as a knowledgeable, hands-on project partner for the clients he serves. Dr. Harless has worked with both developers and communities to acquire over $100 million in funding that has fostered more than $1.25 billion in brownfield redevelopment over the past decade. Dr. Harless is the recipient of two Brownfield Renewal Awards, three Phoenix Awards and an International Economic Development Council award, and was principal-in-charge for the first successful Michigan brownfield redevelopment project funded by a state grant. In 2010, he was named the 2010 Michigan Environmental Professional of the Year by the Michigan Association of Environmental Professionals. Awards and Accomplishments • 2010 Outstanding Environmental Professional of the Year - Michigan Association of Environmental Professionals (MAEP) • Brownfield Renewal Award 2009 – Mason Run “New Urbanism” Residential Neighborhood. • Brownfield Renewal Award 2009 – River Raisin National Battlefield Park • International Economic Development Council, Economic Development Award 2008 - Mason Run “New Urbanism” Residential Neighborhood • Phoenix Award 2008 (US EPA Region 5) – Fairlane Green • Detroit Chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women, Impact Award, Brownfield Redevelopment Category 2006 - Mason Run “New Urbanism” Residential Neighborhood • Michigan Association of Environmental Professionals, Environmental Excellence Award, Brownfield Category 2006 - Mason Run “New Urbanism” Residential Neighborhood • Phoenix Award 2003 (US EPA Region 5) and People’s Choice Award – Consumers Energy Headquarters Campus • First brownfield project funded with tax increment financing in Michigan. • First successful brownfield redevelopment using a Michigan brownfield redevelopment grant AWARD CRITERIA Innovation Dr. Harless utilizes innovation to overcome obstacles that can stall many potential brownfield redevelopment projects. His leadership and innovative approach for the award-winning Mason Run Neighborhood resulted in a new model for the American small town: it is one of the largest New Urbanism projects constructed on an urban brownfield site, transforming the former paper mill into a 500-home national model for residential sustainable development. The team developed a creative funding program using multiple, leveraged brownfield redevelopment financing mechanisms to mitigate environmental and site preparation costs, and acquired and managed $7.4 million in brownfield financing through federal, state and local grants and loans. Dr. Harless designed and negotiated with the then-named Michigan Department of Environmental the technical and regulatory specifications for an alternate solution whereby road right-of-ways and parks were excavated and coal ash was encapsulated on-site beneath the pavement or clean fill. This sustainable, resource-conserving approach successfully remediated the future home sites, safely encapsulated the impacted material, provided replacement clean fill, saved over $2.5 million in response costs and made the project economically viable. Dr. Harless also developed creative solutions to address a variety of other issues, including abandoned plant basements, waste water treatment plant structures, and UST residuals and PCB impact. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Harless (and others), a former industrial waste landfill was transformed into the site for Ventower Industries, LLC’s new 115,000 s.f. wind tower manufacturing plant that is producing wind turbine towers for the renewable energy market. Dr. Harless helped the project team secure $16.5 million in state and federal financial incentives and clear regulatory hurdles for redevelopment and managed Ventower’s environmental due diligence requirements. Unique challenges included a shallow bedrock and protected aquifer, significant contamination of the soil and perched aquifer. Dr. Harless proposed a unique foundation solution utilizing controlled modulus columns to protect the aquifer and reduce the potential for exposure risk for the plant’s future workers. This solution also supported sustainable development principles by minimizing the use of off-site landfill capacity and reducing greenhouse gases and fuel use. Construction on Ventower was complete and manufacturing began summer 2011, and the company anticipates building up to 250 towers a year at the site. Collaboration Across Multiple Industry Disciplines Dr. Harless is a strong advocate for advancing the brownfield industry through collaboration and partnerships across industry disciplines. He has demonstrated his ability to partner with local, state, and federal agencies to produce highly successful redevelopment projects, such as the award-winning River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe, Michigan, the site of a famous War of 1812 battle, the Battle of the River Raisin (and more recently, a former paper mill). Dr. Harless, the City of Monroe and the previous owner worked together for over a decade to effect transfer of a historic portion of the site to a governmental agency for historical preservation. Dr. Harless and the team conducted presentations and briefings to secure support and financing for resolving environmental issues and demolishing remaining mill structures. It took seven years of negotiations among nearly 20 national, state and local groups to resolve environmental and archaeological issues associated with site preservation. Congress has declared the site a National Battlefield Park, making it the first brownfield ever to become part of the National Parks System. The Mason Run project also required multiple layers of collaboration and regulatory agency cooperation, and Dr. Harless worked with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to develop and implement the creative, sustainable, cinder/ash remediation approach. He first established the regulatory framework for removing contaminated cinder/ash fill from the surface of the site, then reclassified the remediation wastes as inert fill for reuse under roads and parks in the development required the cooperative efforts of both the Waste Management Division and Environmental Response Division of the MDEQ, all of which were coordinated with Dr. Harless’ guidance. Engineering criteria for safe reuse of the material under roads and parks also were developed by Dr. Harless to ensure that pathways for human contact and migration of leached contaminants were blocked. The continuing cooperative efforts of Dr. Harless, the City of Monroe, MDEQ and US EPA Region 5 were required to design the financing mechanisms for the environmental response actions needed to prepare the former CPC site for residential redevelopment and for brownfield redevelopment financing. Execute a Plan and Deliver the Goods In the past ten years, Dr. Harless has secured over $100,000,000 in state/federal grants, loans, tax credits, and tax increment financing for municipal and private brownfield redevelopment projects valued at over $1 billion. His success rate for acquiring federal brownfields funding is over 85%. These projects in turn are creating millions of square feet of new buildings, reinvigorating communities, adding thousands of new jobs, and increasing tax revenue. To date, Dr. Harless managed more than $28,000,000 in federal Brownfield Assessment and Cleanup Grants and Revolving Loan Funds (RLF) for 32 communities across Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. He has facilitated and managed nearly $8 million in brownfield redevelopment loans and subgrants from these grants, all of which have resulted in brownfield redevelopments in the communities. He also has helped communities market larger brownfield programs, identify and acquire other non-environmental brownfield funding sources, support business attraction efforts, help acquire properties, and support land banks with redevelopment initiatives. Vision and Effecting Real Change Dr. Harless has been working with communities and local Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities (BRA) to develop brownfield redevelopment programs. He has helped establish and train numerous BRAs and provided guidance on how to create financing and reimbursement packages for specific projects. He helps coordinate the process for reviewing projects, preparing and approving brownfield plans, holding hearings and meetings, preparing and negotiating reimbursement agreements, and in tracking project costs. Getting a brownfield redevelopment project from concept to reality is one of the largest challenges facing communities and developers alike, and Dr. Harless’s experience supporting both sides provides him with a unique perspective for brownfield redevelopment. He shows developers and communities how a project can be successfully completed within the parameters of existing environmental issues, including federal liability sites, and brownfield financing programs. He helps all parties navigate the intricacies and processes of state and federal environmental liability management, designs for safe site use, and use of multiple brownfield financing incentive programs. Acting as a partner in the brownfield redevelopment programs of SME clients, he often assists in marketing specific sites to developers and companies, especially out of state and foreign companies, by being a part of the “sales” team extolling the benefits of the community and explaining environmental management and brownfield financing programs and opportunities. When Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU), a private, non-profit organization which serves as the economic development arm of the City of Battle Creek, Michigan, sought to persuade Japan-based Toda America, Inc. to choose their community over competing locations for a new $70 million high-tech battery components plant, they called Dr. Harless to help them realize their vision. Toda’s knowledge and understanding of the complexities of environmental issues and brownfield redevelopment were very limited and posed a substantial challenge, but Dr. Harless’s expertise and knowledge were crucial in helping to educate Toda and enable them to choose Battle Creek as the location for their new facility. Dr. Harless helped BCU and the City of Battle Creek secure approximately $4,000,000 in state and local brownfield financial incentives for environmental and site preparation activities. He also prepared an Act 381 Work Plan, managed environmental due diligence and due care requirements and provided geotechnical engineering solutions to address complicated site conditions. During construction, he worked with the designer/builder to address the environmental management plan. Dr. Harless served as project manager for environmental and brownfield financing activities for the $80 million Consumers Energy Headquarters Campus project in Jackson, Michigan. The project received two national Phoenix Awards for excellence in brownfield redevelopment and is a prime example of how a single redevelopment project and successful public/private partnership has revitalized an entire community. Dr. Harless managed the site investigation, liability management, environmental responses, and safe use design activities for 21 land parcels assembled for the project, and developed a tax increment financing program that funded $1.8 million in environmental expenses and approximately $18 million in infrastructure improvements. Through the cooperation of Consumers Energy, local, state and federal agencies, a blighted city block has been transformed into a $113-million urban campus with office space, a public amphitheater, sculpture garden, river promenade, two parking decks and green space. Dr. Harless was principal-in-charge of the first successful Michigan brownfield redevelopment project funded by a state grant. The development involved the demolition of a 450,000 s.f. automobile assembly plant and construction of a 150,000 s.f. steel processing facility for Kenwal Steel Products. Environmental activities included successful application for an $800,000 state grant, identification and removal of USTs and containers of wastes, assessment and remediation of soil contamination, and assessment and management of over 30,000 s.f. of PCB-contaminated concrete floors. A remediation variance for encapsulation of PCB-contaminated subsurface structures without prior remediation was sought and obtained from US EPA Region 5. Generate Positive Results In 2008, Kellogg Company moved forward with a $54 million, 167,000 s.f. expansion of its W.K. Kellogg Institute for Nutritional Research in downtown Battle Creek, Michigan. The project would not have been possible without a comprehensive redevelopment plan developed and managed under the direction of Dr. Harless. The project spanned three parcels requiring extensive remediation and tax increment financing to meet Kellogg Company’s project requirements. Dr. Harless’s expertise helped the City’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to negotiate and maximize the local and state increment financing revenues to the fullest extent for this project. During construction, he provided project management and cost-tracking oversight for activities relating to redevelopment and construction. Dr. Harless is serving on the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) where he provides ongoing support and input as a policy maker, consultant, and mentor to the brownfield staff and other board members, and he has had a significant role in growing the brownfield program in Washtenaw County, Michigan Additionally, he provided direct assistance to the County and local units of government, resulting in over $1 million in funding to support brownfield activities. Dr. Harless worked closely with Ashley Capital to manage environmental liability issues and environmental response actions during acquisition and redevelopment of the idled 1,100,000 s.f. GM Delta Township Engine Plant in Lansing, Michigan. He assisted in negotiating the environmental terms of the Purchase Agreement and then conducted an extensive site assessment to support a Baseline Environmental Assessment to address environmental liabilities under Michigan’s Part 201 rules. The assessment also was carefully designed to support his strategy to address federal RCRA Corrective Action liabilities attached to the property. He worked with the client and its contractor to develop strategies and procedures for cleaning and filling in three large basements filled with cutting fluid management equipment and wastes. These procedures were particularly important because the basements would flood after filling, making cost effective control/removal of oil contaminants critical to prevent future environmental impact. Simultaneously, he evaluated subsurface soil conditions to support planned new construction. Dr. Harless is currently working with the City of Wyoming, Michigan and Thunder Ventures, LLC to redevelop a former two-million s.f. General Motors stamping plant for use as an advanced manufacturing industrial park. Dr. Harless and SME partnered with both the City and Thunder Ventures to support the transfer of the property from the RACER Trust (formed to help U.S. communities to redevelop sites affected by GM’s 2009 bankruptcy) to the City, and provided environmental due diligence, asbestos building materials assessment, a Baseline Environmental Assessment and Due Care Plans for protecting human health, and ensured that pre-demolition activities were conducted according to applicable environmental regulations. Dr. Harless also promoted sustainable activity at the site, including the reclamation and reuse of materials and filling basements with crushed concrete from other parts of the building. Concurrent with the due diligence, Dr. Harless also worked with Thunder Ventures to secure over $10 million in tax increment financing; without this crucial financing incentive, the developer would not have been able to complete the activities, and the property likely would have remained vacant, deteriorating into an eyesore and becoming a threat to public health, safety and the environment. Recommendations On behalf of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE), I am writing in support of the nomination of Dr. James Harless for Brownfield Person of the Year. Dr. Harless has had a distinguished career working with local communities in Michigan to promote the redevelopment of significantly challenged properties. His fortitude and vision have led to creative solutions on very complicated sites and resulted in a successful blending of federal, state, and local financial resources. Dr. Harless has demonstrated on many occasions his creative abilities to partner with local, state, and federal agencies to produce highly successful redevelopment projects, as evidenced by his role in the River Raisin National Battlefield Project. The effort to redevelop the former permitted hazardous storage facility into a National Battlefield presented challenges from financing, liability, and environmental perspectives. In addition, Dr. Harless was instrumental in the redevelopment of a former paperboard manufacturing site in the city of Monroe, which became the site of a New Urbanism residential community with 500 single-family residential units. Dr. Harless also provided his expertise to the Ventower manufacturing project, a once contaminated site that is now home to a manufacturing facility for 300-foot steel support towers for wind turbines. Dr. Harless has proven to be an innovative visionary with a superior ability to form successful partnerships that have resulted in significantly successful brownfield redevelopment projects in Michigan. To that end, the DNRE fully supports the nomination of Dr. Harless for "Brownfields Person of the Year." - Jim Sygo, Deputy Director Environmental Protection Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment I write today to highly recommend James Harless, PhD to you for the Brownfields Person of the Year Award. I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Harless for many years. As a former member of the Michigan House of Representatives, and now as a State Senator, I have come to know him well and consider him a trusted advisor. Dr. Harless and I worked together closely during my time as Economic Development Director for the Port and City of Monroe. He has also been a resource for me when working on legislation dealing with Michigan's Brownfield Redevelopment laws. His many years of experience working with local governments, businesses, developers, and planners make him an excellent choice for this prestigious award. Again, thank you for your consideration of James Harless, PhD for the Brownfields Person of the Year Award. He is truly deserving of this great honor. - Randy Richardville State Senator, The 17th District President Pro-Tempore The Michigan Senate I am writing in support of the nomination of James Harless, Ph.D. for the "Brownfields Person of the Year Award." I have known and worked with Dr. Harless for over 20 years and am pleased to lend my support. Dr. Harless brings to the brownfields arena an unusual combination of educational background, professional associations, experience working with and for both the public and private sectors and interpersonal skills that facilitate his excellence in the brownfields sector. Each of these components of Dr. Harless' skill set brings important value to a brownfields project. I have participated in dozens of brownfields projects with Dr. Harless over the past two decades as the brownfields area has evolved and expanded. Dr. Harless has mastered the ability to work with the many players in this area, whether federal, state or local government officials who may at first have little background in brownfields but have become willing or unwilling participants in a brownfields matter; business owners who may be unhappy and surprised owners of a contaminated site; to strategic investors in brownfield redevelopment projects; or attorneys and other professionals who may be generalists with little background or interest in the area; to specialists like me. In each case, Dr. Harless has mastered the difficult challenge of identifying the other participants' understandings and roles and applying his diverse background to advance the brownfields project. Dr. Harless also understands business, having founded and grown an environmental consulting company. His experience in owning and operating a business provides him valuable insights into his business clients' needs and concerns as they participate in brownfield projects, which of course often start out or end up more complex than the everyday business challenges faced by many brownfields participants. Dr. Harless has led or been a major participant in many complex or groundbreaking brownfields projects. I have participated in some of those and watched from the sidelines with professional interest on others. Winners of many local and national awards, Dr. Harless' projects provide many examples of the highly beneficial outcomes of his ability to innovate, collaborate across multiple industry disciplines and implement a unique vision for the success of creative and innovative brownfield projects. For these reasons, I strongly endorse the nomination of James Harless, Ph.D. as Brownfields Person of the Year. - Richard A. Barr Attorney Hongiman Miller Schwartz and Cohn I highly support the recommendation of Dr. James Harless for the Brownfield Renewal ‘2011 Person of the Year Award.’ Currently, we are working together on the GM (General Motors) Wyoming project, a former automotive stamping plant outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan. With Dr. Harless’ assistance, we are handling a very complicated set of issues associated with the decontamination and demolition of the buildings, and the preparation for redevelopment of the site as an advanced manufacturing industrial park. Dr. Harless has effectively helped us through the complicated process of transferring the property from the RACER Trust to the City, secured $10 million in tax increment financing to support demolition and site restoration activities, helped manage the transfer of NPDES discharge permits, obtained a hazardous waste identification number, prepared a plan for managing PCB-contaminated concrete, and more. He also coordinated with the current RACER team on managing those issues during and after the demolition. Dr. Harless also works very well with our team: he serves as a true advisor by listening to our needs and understanding our ‘big picture’ objectives – not just from the environmental, but also from the business perspective, in terms of knowing and understanding redevelopment and its drivers, and the role that brownfields play in the development equation. He has never dictated answers, but rather, works with us find solutions that are compatible and practical, and which fit our budget, schedule and project task list. When Thunder Ventures selected SME for the project, we had no doubt that the site cleanup and redevelopment was in the right hands with Dr. Harless. His reputation as an innovative and experienced problem solver for brownfield redevelopment projects is backed by his track record of success with our project and countless others. With these considerations in mind, we are pleased to support Dr. Harless’ nomination for the Brownfield Renewal Person of the Year award. - Jason Horton Principal Lormax Stern Development Co./Thunder Ventures, LLC I support the selection of James Harless, PhD, CHMM as Brownfields Person of the Year. James has been at the forefront of brownfield redevelopment for a long period of time and it is remarkable to witness the success he has had over a significant length of time. With Dr. Harless involved in a project, the prospect of success improves. As evidenced by his involvement in the 2009 Brownfield Renewal award-wining project Mason Run, James brings innovation to overcome the types of obstacles that can stall many potential brownfield redevelopment projects. In the case of Mason Run, Dr. Harless worked in a collaborative environment (and evolving state legislative framework) to achieve a successful project. More recently, I have had the fortune to work with James on the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, where he successfully provides ongoing support and input as a policy maker, consultant, and mentor to brownfield staff and other board members. Dr. Harless brings his extensive knowledge and experience in brownfield redevelopment to advance its impact here in Washtenaw County. Undoubtedly, James has had a significant role in growing the brownfield redevelopment program here, which currently boasts 19 approved projects which represent nearly over $650 Million in new investment, over 4,000 jobs, over nearly 1,000 acres in our community. In addition to this technical assistance, James has provided direct assistance to the County and local units of government which have resulted in over $1 M in funding to support brownfield activities in one of the most economically challenged communities in our County. - Brett D. Lenart Director Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Please consider this correspondence as my recommendation and full support of James Harless of Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc. (SME) to receive recognition as the Brownfields Person of the Year Award sponsored by Brownfield Renewal. Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is a private, non-profit organization which serves as the economic development arm of the City of Battle Creek, Michigan. Our economic development philosophy involves a major emphasis on urban regeneration and redevelopment. As such, we have a very strong track record in the successful redevelopment and re-use of brownfield sites and buildings. Since our inception in 1972, we have continued to develop Fort Custer Industrial Park, a 3,000 acre international business complex that, as a former United States military base, is one of the nation's most successful base conversion and brownfield redevelopment projects. Today, Fort Custer Industrial Park is home to 90 companies with 9,000 employees. For the past ten years or more we have exclusively used SME for environmental consulting services in our redevelopment efforts. James Harless has continually provided extensive advice and guidance in our successful redevelopment efforts. Most recently Dr. Harless assisted BCU with administering a major brownfield redevelopment project in Fort Custer Industrial Park for a new manufacturing plant by Japan-based Toda America. Toda is a world leading manufacturer of Lithium-ion battery components for the next generation of automotive and consumer battery technologies. As a Japanese company, Toda's knowledge and understanding of the complexities of environmental issues and brownfield redevelopment were very limited and posed a substantial challenge in Battle Creek's efforts to secure the company's project. Furthermore, the site's re-use for battery components manufacturing created additional complexities to be addressed. Dr. Harless' expertise and knowledge were very crucial in helping our customer - Toda America - reach an understanding and agreement on the brownfield remediation plan to enable them to choose Battle Creek over competing locations elsewhere around the United States. In addition, Dr. Harless' knowledge of Michigan's brownfield statute and policies ensured that the City's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority would maximize all available local and state tax increment finance revenues to ensure the most expedient return on the Authority's expenditures in the project. Toda America is now under construction on the new plant, anticipating $77 million in private investment and the creation of 57 new, highly skilled and technical jobs in our region. In 2008, Kellogg Company moved forward with a $54 million, 167,000 s.f. expansion of its W.K. Kellogg Institute for Nutritional Research in downtown Battle Creek. The project would not have been possible without a comprehensive brownfield redevelopment plan developed and managed by SME. The project spanned three parcels requiring extensive remediation and tax increment financing to meet Kellogg Company's project requirements. Mr. Harless' leadership and innovative approach were frequently displayed throughout the project's brownfield planning and implementation. Dr. Harless' expertise enabled the City's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to negotiate and maximize the local and state tax increment finance revenues to the fullest extent for this project. I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Harless on several other brownfield related projects. His extensive knowledge and innovative approach have always ensured that BCU and the City's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority have the best expertise available to secure and implement these many projects successfully. I hope you will give favorable consideration to Dr. James Harless as the Brownfields Person of the Year. - Karl J. Dehn President and CEO Battle Creek Unlimited I have known and worked with Dr. Harless for more than fifteen years and on numerous brownfield projects. These projects include residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational redevelopments, and from my various roles as a municipal practitioner, consultant, and development principal. Some of the better-known projects are: • The Mason Run Neighborhood Project, winner of multiple awards and national recognition. • The Monroe Steel Castings Project, which received recognition by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment as one of Michigan's most successful brownfield redevelopments. • The River Raisin Battlefield/Frenchtown Settlement Project, another nationally recognized effort. His work established significant precedence for the operation of Michigan's voluntary cleanup and brownfield redevelopment programs. In particular, Michigan's first brownfield redevelopment plan model was created by Dr. Harless during his time as a consultant to the City of Monroe, a number of unique federal and state funding approaches to support a brownfield project were created by him, and the first US EPA Revolving Loan Fund obligations in Michigan were made with his assistance. Moreover, your favorable consideration not only provides merit for his accomplishments, but also recognizes the involvement and participation of the many professionals and local citizens whom Dr. Harless has included in his particular approach of community involvement for redevelopment. I truly cannot think of a more deserving person than Dr. Harless, and trust that your selection committee sees the same. Thank you for your consideration. - James Tischler, AICP, MPCP I am pleased to submit this letter supporting Mr. Harless’ nomination for Brownfield’s Person of the Year. Mr. Harless has worked with the City of Jackson, Michigan on several Brownfield projects most notably, the Consumers Energy Headquarters, which won the Brownfield Phoenix Award as well as the People’s Choice Award at the 2004 National Brownfield Convention. Mr. Harless has recently been instrumental in assisting the City of Jackson develop a new US EPA Revolving Loan fund grant program, and we look forward to working with him in the future on this and other projects. - Carol Konieczki Community Development Director City of Jackson, Michigan Public and Professional Service • Member – Washtenaw County Michigan Brownfield Redevelopment Authority • Director – Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals • Director – Institute of Brownfield Professionals • Co-Chair Environmental Committee – ASFE • Michigan Senate Stakeholders Committee for Amending the State Tax Increment Financing Statute • Legislative Reform Task Force for Brownfield Incentives, Michigan Economic Developers Association, Lansing, Michigan • Trainer/Mentor for 12 Michigan Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities Mentoring and Education • Session organizer, moderator and presenter, “Using Coalitions for Brownfield Redevelopment,” Brownfields 2009, New Orleans, LA, November 17, 2009 • Session organizer, moderator and presenter, “Move Over Mayberry: Brownfields in Small Cities” and “Heavy Starch: Cleaning the Dry Cleaners,” Brownfields 2008, Detroit, MI, May 6, 2008 • 6 Brownfields Publications (27 total) • 17 Brownfield Technical Papers Presented (73 total) • 24 Other Brownfield Seminars, Training Sessions, Media Interviews and Broadcasts Brownfield Program Advancement • Conducts training and works with state and local units of government to advance brownfield redevelopment • Incorporates green and sustainable environmental assessment and remediation techniques and development components into brownfield redevelopment projects • Secured over $90,000,000 in federal state and local financing • Facilitated over $1,000,000 in brownfield redevelopment • Successfully redeveloped two RCRA Corrective Action sites Recent Notable Projects • Mason Run Residential Neighborhood • River Raisin Battlefield Park • Ventower Industries Wind Tower Manufacturing Plant • Toda America High-Tech Battery Components Plant • W.K. Kellogg Institute for Nutritional Research • Consumers Energy Headquarters • Kenwal Steel Products • Labadie Park • Delta Distribution Center read more

	Fred Delk , Executive Director — Columbia Development Corporation (15+)
Reason: Fred Delk, Executive Director, Columbia Development Corporation / Congaree Coalition The Congaree Coalition is a currently a partnership between the City of Columbia, the City of West Columbia, and Columbia’s four economic development … Fred Delk, Executive Director, Columbia Development Corporation / Congaree Coalition The Congaree Coalition is a currently a partnership between the City of Columbia, the City of West Columbia, and Columbia’s four economic development corporations, created to develop and implement regional brownfields solutions that provide economic, social, and environmental benefits to the citizens and businesses in two neighboring cities. These cities are located at the point where the Saluda and Broad rivers merge to form the Congaree River. The City of Columbia’s brownfields grant is being led by the Columbia Development Corporation (CDC). The City of Columbia established the CDC in 1983 to spearhead the revitalization of the Congaree Vista, which is a former railroad and warehousing district that is situated on the banks of the Congaree River. And, in recent years, the City has also called on the CDC to provide services in many of the city’s downtown neighborhoods, including Five Points, Rosewood, Millwood and Olympia. The CDC’s services include providing financial assistance to businesses and supporting public-private economic development partnerships. As Executive Director of the CDC, Fred Delk implements the CDC's broad work plan, which includes historic preservation, targeted business development, provision of funding for environmental and historic surveys, the collection of baseline property information for developers, and the facilitation of economic development opportunities. In 1983, a National Geographic article said that Gervais Street in Columbia, South Carolina was “a forest of commercial enterprises…that clash with the environment.” At the time, five active railroad tracks crossed this major thoroughfare and many of the industrial, warehousing, and commercial buildings that had clustered around the railroad freight depots were deteriorating. Brownfield concerns hampered revitalization efforts on many properties. Today, thanks in large part to Fred Delk’s efforts, the revitalized riverfront districts have become one of the most important economic engines in the City. Fred has been the Executive Director of the CDC for the past 15 years, working with a wide range of projects from Governor’s Hill to Vista Commons Apartments, the new Publix Grocery Store and the renovation of 701 Whaley Street. These projects were accomplished by a unique blend of creative finance and public/private partnerships. In addition, Fred and the CDC have been involved in the development of EdVenture Children’s Museum, the former Columbia Supply property, Canal Side, the SCRA Innovation Center, Mast General Store, and numerous other projects throughout the City. Since 1998, the City of Columbia has received four brownfields assessment grants from the U.S. EPA. This brownfields program has further increased the capacity of the CDC and the city’s other development partners to revitalize properties in older areas of the city. The responsibility of working with the grants and managing the program was given to Fred at an early stage. Using the brownfield funds as a redevelopment tool, Fred has been able to realize an incredible return on investment (ROI) for both the City and the EPA. The first grant was completed in 2000, while the second and third grants were awarded in 2006 and completed in mid 2009. The three initial grants allowed the city to invest $600,000 to help jumpstart a range of redevelopment projects. As a part of the Congaree Coalition, the city is now collaborating with the City of West Columbia on a $1.0 million brownfields initiative that was funded through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). In a recent study, Return on Investment from Brownfield Initiatives in Columbia, SC, 2009, CTC Public Benefit Corporation (CTC PBC) researched six EPA funded projects in the City of Columbia. The study concluded that under Fred’s leadership an EPA investment of $271,000 produced capital investment of $63.7 million; increased taxable property values (2005-2009) by $12.5 million; anticipated an additional $11.4 million in capital investment by the end of 2010; $100-plus million in long term additional investment; and estimated the number of jobs on those sites by 2010-2011 at 350 to 400. In addition to the successes on past brownfield grant efforts, Mr. Delk’s leadership of the CDC and Congaree Coalition during the current ARRA Coalition grant has continued the successful redevelopment of brownfield properties. For example: • A new City parking garage with retail space on the ground floor is currently under construction with an investment of $13 million on a former downtown brownfield. • A Mast General store (a $5.5 million redevelopment investment and 40 full and part time jobs) opened in downtown Columbia on Main Street in a former department store, where an old underground storage tank (UST), asbestos, and lead-based paint hindered redevelopment until Fred’s CDC and brownfield program provided assistance. . • The former Boozer Lumber property is also being redeveloped leading to the creation of 22 full and part time jobs and a $6.06 million investment in the property (petroleum above-ground storage tanks (ASTs) were of major concern). Under the leadership of Fred, the Congaree Coalition has established a market-driven brownfields redevelopment strategy. The goal of which is to leverage brownfields funding to attract private-sector investments which transform economically underutilized regions of the city into areas where high-skilled people live and work. The brownfields program is an important contributor to economic development and redevelopment in the City of Columbia. Fred is the driver of this redevelopment effort, and the City has been rewarded with new and renovated facilities, new jobs, increased tax revenue, and significant continued redevelopment opportunities through his efforts. read more

	Jere "Trey" Hess , Mississippi Brownfields Coordinator — Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (12)
Reason: Trey is an excellent example of state governmental staff leadership in the field of brownfields redevelopment. He is a leader in helping municipalities in the State of Mississippi undertake brownfields redevelopment … Trey is an excellent example of state governmental staff leadership in the field of brownfields redevelopment. He is a leader in helping municipalities in the State of Mississippi undertake brownfields redevelopment as a pathway to sustainability, economic prosperity and public health. Trey invests State resources in building the kinds of stakeholder relationships that result in improved access by municipalities and the State to public and private brownfields financing and resources. He is extraordinarily accomplished at reaching out to and engaging stakeholders from the community and the nonprofit, public and private sectors. We enthusiastically nominate him for Person of the Year. read more

	Barbara Rauch , Supervising Attorney — Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (24)
Reason: 2011 Brownfield Renewal Person of the Year Nomination: Barbara Rauch, Supervising Attorney, Land Protection Division, Office of the General Counsel, Oklahoma DEQ Barbara Rauch holds a law degree from Oklahoma City University. She … 2011 Brownfield Renewal Person of the Year Nomination: Barbara Rauch, Supervising Attorney, Land Protection Division, Office of the General Counsel, Oklahoma DEQ Barbara Rauch holds a law degree from Oklahoma City University. She is the Supervising Attorney of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and has been with DEQ or its predecessor agency for over 24 years. With an emphasis in remediation of contaminated properties in the Superfund and Brownfields programs, Barbara Rauch functions as more than an environmental attorney. Through her deep understanding of the legal issues, she assists program staff in identifying innovative measures that help ensure the success of a project. Rauch was involved in drafting Oklahoma's Brownfields Voluntary Redevelopment Act and administrative rules in the late 1990’s and has worked with Brownfields staff on various issues. She was an integral part of a DEQ team that solved critical environmental challenges of transforming brownfield sites into productive properties that won several national awards. Rauch was involved in the following projects that won national recognition: • 2003 EPA Region 6 Strategic Alliance Award: Remediation of the Hudson Refinery Superfund Site in Cushing, OK. • 2004 EPA Region 6 Phoenix Award: The Cimarron Center Redevelopment Project (former Zinc Smelter) in Sand Springs, Oklahoma • 2007 EPA Region 6 Phoenix Award: The Shurden-Leist Industrial Park Redevelopment Project (former Eagle Picher smelter site) in Henryetta, Oklahoma • 2009 EPA Region 6 Phoenix Award: The Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) Bricktown Redevelopment (former warehouse, manufacturing, stockyard, refineries and oilfields) • 2010 EPA Region 6 Phoenix Award: The Oklahoma City DELL Redevelopment Project (former landfill) Rauch was instrumental in the success of the 2008 and 2010 Oklahoma Brownfields Conference, and functioned as the Chairperson of the Educational Committee securing brownfields experts as speakers. Because of the quality of speakers brought to this conference the Oklahoma Brownfields Conference has become one of the most foremost conferences to attend not only from the State of Oklahoma but around the nation. Without her legal expertise the State of Oklahoma would not have a Brownfields program. She gets projects completed through her deep understanding of the law and a willingness to assist program participants and agency staff. Her keen understanding of the law allows her to pinpoint and resolve issues that would otherwise cause projects to stagnate. Rauch is a charter member of the Oklahoma Bar Association Environmental Law Section in which she served as Chairperson and Secretary. Rauch has published articles that can be found in the Oklahoma Chapter of Brownfields Law and Practice, Matthew Bender & Company (Lexis Nexis), the Oklahoma Environmental Law Handbook, the Oklahoma Bar Journal, Sovereignty Symposium books, and the OBA’s Recent Developments Update seminar materials for 2003 and 2004. Rauch is a frequent speaker on state and federal environmental laws as they relate to Brownfields. read more

	Ian Webster , President — Project Navigator, Ltd. (30+)
Reason: Dr. Webster has been President of Project Navigator, Ltd. since 1997. At the companies inception, the main goal was to coordinate and oversee remediation projects of superfund sites in southern California. Since … Dr. Webster has been President of Project Navigator, Ltd. since 1997. At the companies inception, the main goal was to coordinate and oversee remediation projects of superfund sites in southern California. Since then, the company has grown nation wide. Over the past three years, Project Navigator has started a sister company called PV Navigator, LLC which specializes in the development of solar generating plants on Brownfield and Landfill sites. More about this company can be found at www.PVNavigator.com. Ian has also been presenting this concept at various Brownfield conventions over the past year. PVNavigator, LLC has grown from having a 2MW landfill project in development in the first year to now over 50MW's under development and a pipeline of over 250MW's of solar on landfill projects. Solar development on a closed landfill is a win-win situation for the landfill owner (typically the local municipality) and the local community who utilize the green energy produced from these facilities. Solar facilities on landfills create a productive and beneficial use on a vacant parcel of otherwise useless land. read more

	Cynthia Gianfrancesco , Principal Environmental Scientist — Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Waste Management (approximately 20)
Reason: Cindy directs Rhode Islands very successful and well regarded state brownfield program. In her tenure as the leader of the state Targeted Brownfield Program she has transformed the program reputation, culture … Cindy directs Rhode Islands very successful and well regarded state brownfield program. In her tenure as the leader of the state Targeted Brownfield Program she has transformed the program reputation, culture and effectiveness. First she transformed the external perception of regultory enforcement to one of creative collaboration and aid. She has assisted most of the municipalities in the state, many non profits, and other public and government organizations in a uniquely comprehensive manner. She increased public outreach consistently to the point the program is viewed positively state wide and nationally and to the point that potential applicants throughout the state view Cindy and her program as key components to successful brownfields planning and implementation. She has set up an open door policy in which applicants come to her looking for financial and technical assistance and she is unparralled in developing creative solutions that provide applicants with what they really need to get developments and cleanups done. She has an impecable reputation with EPA which she couples with creative thinking and as a result has found many innovative ways to use EPA brownfield funding and expertise to complete projects. She works tirelessly as a collaborator on the regulatory side as well bringing in many other regulatory departments and leveraging other types of grants to promote project success. She is unique in the way she can provide up front planning and strategic advice to potential applicants to the state brownfield program and then use her creativity, technical experience, and funding to do whatever projects and applicants really need to succeed. She has transformed her program into the niche that fill the gap in brownfield projects to make them succeed. She is unique in the way she leverages extensive public outreach, multiple funding sources, and collaboration across our entire state and with her federal connections to be the single biggest public influence in RI brownfields. She is a well deserving recipient of Person of the Year. read more

	Marc Bouvier, P.G. , Project Manager — Nobis Engineering, Inc. (13 Years)
Reason: In the Fall of 2010, a 3-acre abandoned Brownfields site in Massachusetts, formerly used for electronics manufacturing for 40 years, was designated by the Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray as a Brownfields … In the Fall of 2010, a 3-acre abandoned Brownfields site in Massachusetts, formerly used for electronics manufacturing for 40 years, was designated by the Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray as a Brownfields Support Team (BST) Site. As a BST Site, representatives from EPA, MassDevelopment, MassDEP, the Town of Chelmsford, and other State and Federal agencies are tasked to meet regularly and collaborate to "fast-track" this Site for cleanup and redevelopment. Shortly after abatement and demolition work began of the former manufacturing building, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) were identified in building materials (over 1,400 linear feet of exterior caulking) at levels above the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) hazardous waste threshold. The removal and disposal of PCB impacted materials (caulking and adjacent concrete) was required in accordance with TSCA regulations. This required an unconventional and customized approach to demolishing the building. Roadblocks like this typically tap Brownfield project funding and greatly extend project timelines or halts forward progress altogether. Working with the BST, Mr. Bouvier collaborated with the demolition contractor and hazardous materials professionals and prepared three possible solutions along with cost estimates. After a feasible solution was selected, Mr. Bouvier worked with the BST to identify and fill funding gaps, taking into account the many unknowns and contingencies while keeping the project timeline in the forefront. A Self Implementing Plan (SIP) was developed that thoroughly detailed the demolition and PCB abatement approach. The SIP was approved by the EPA TSCA coordinator and the demolition was successfully completed in accordance with the SIP achieving state and federal project cleanup goals and within both the approved budget and timeline. Now that the former manufacturing building has been demolished soil and groundwater investigations can begin this Fall prior to the Winter months, keeping the site on track for redevelopment. Without the dedication and active communication across multiple disciplines, including Federal and State agencies, and many stakeholders, and facilitated by the BST, this project, like many other Brownfields Sites, would have succumbed to years of inactivity waiting for additional funding. This was truly a team effort that was successful in no small part to the commitment and communication skills of Mr. Bouvier. Mr. Bouvier is also the Project Manager on many other sites including an old mill where he is leading a remediation team under an EPA Cleanup Grant, demolition of another mill building using Town funds and many other Underground Storage Tank (UST) removals through the Targeted Brownfields Assessment (TBA) program implemented by the EPA. This is located at the same site, at the same time, with separate funding channels and with multiple agencies. Mr. Bouvier also leads an internal Brownfields Practice Team that is currently assessing eight Brownfield sites throughout New England (via EPA TBAs). These assessments are performed for non-profits, as well as municipalities in multiple states, therefore knowledge of multiple regulations is a necessity. read more

	Matt Ward , President — Sustainable Strategies (15)
Reason: • Matt conceived of the idea of the new “Revitalizing Auto Communities Environmental Response Trust” or “RACER Trust,” a federal trust created out of the bankruptcy of General Motors that owns more than … • Matt conceived of the idea of the new “Revitalizing Auto Communities Environmental Response Trust” or “RACER Trust,” a federal trust created out of the bankruptcy of General Motors that owns more than 44 million square feet of former GM properties in 66 buildings across 7,000 acres in 14 states, and has $773 million in funds for cleanup, management and revitalization of these sites. www.racertrust.org. In the week after the inauguration of President Obama, Matt worked on behalf of a national group, the Mayors Auto Coalition (www.autocommunities.us) to convene local officials with White House officials to advocate for the creation of a new federal trust to ensure that closed automotive manufacturing sites would not be mothballed and would not blight struggling local communities. The White House requested a more developed proposal, which Matt created and the Mayors Auto Coalition submitted in early 2009. After more than a year of national advocacy by the Mayors Auto Coalition under Matt’s direction, the White House announced in May 2010 that the RACER Trust would be created. Approved by the Bankruptcy court in March 2011, the RACER Trust launched in April 2011 and is now underway with community revitalization. • Matt is helping some of the nation’s most innovative brownfields communities and progress, providing reuse strategies and leading efforts to raise public and private capital at these sites. Matt’s work includes close involvement in the Ranson and Charles Town, WV “Commerce Corridor” initiative, where Matt has helped the those communities create an area-wide revitalization plan and secure $6.5 million in federal resources including EPA Area-Wide Brownfields, EPA Brownfields Assessment, EPA Brownfields Cleanup, HUD BEDI, HUD 108, DOT TIGER, and HUD Sustainable Community Challenge grants. See www.ransonrenwed.com. Matt also works closely with other innovative brownfield communities including the City of Stamford, CT; the City of Lansing, MI; the City of Glen Cove, NY; Bay City, MI; Buena Vista, MI and other communities, helping them with reuse strategies, recruitment of partners, and acquisition of resources. • Matt joined with others to found the National Brownfields Coalition in 2005 and develop its national platform for brownfields tools and incentives, a platform that will now be launched through bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate during this 112th Congress. • Matt joined with others to launch the Brownfield Communities Network at NALGEP (the National Association of Local Government Environmental Professionals), www.nalgep.org, where Matt served as the national policy director for both NALGEP and the Network. • Matt represented local governments across the country, through NALGEP, in the formation and passage of the Brownfields Revitalization Act of 2002. Matt served as a representative of local governments on the EPA Federal Advisory Committee to implement the all appropriate inquiry rules that resulted from that Act. • Matt served as policy director for the EPA Brownfields Showcase Communities Network, representing some of the most innovative brownfields localities in America. • Matt has been a supporter of brownfields revitalization in his home state of West Virginia, where he has served on the Advisory Board of the West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center. • Matt has been a lead author on leading national reports that have supported the brownfield industry, including Revitalizing Mothballed Properties: Challenges, Success Stories & Strategies (2008); Unlocking Brownfields: Keys to Community Revitalization (2004); Clean Communities on the Move (2006); Smart Growth is Smart Business (2004); Smart Growth for Clean Water (2003); Recycling America’s Gas Stations: The Value and Promise of Revitalizing Petroleum Contaminated Properties (2002); Profiles of Business Leadership on Smart Growth: New Partnerships Demonstrate the Economic Benefits of Reducing Sprawl (l999); Building a Brownfields Partnership from the Ground Up: Local Government Views on the Value and Promise of National Brownfields Initiatives (1997). Currently he is working under subcontract from U.S. EPA to produce a the Toolkit for Auto Community Revitalization (expected publication in 2012). read more

	Brad White , Vice President of Sales — Hull & Associates, Inc. / River Road Redevelopment, LLC (20+)
Reason: Brad has shown that he can be the project manager for any particular environmental cleanup project, as well as the developer. He has demonstrated his ability to redevelop brownfield properties by personally … Brad has shown that he can be the project manager for any particular environmental cleanup project, as well as the developer. He has demonstrated his ability to redevelop brownfield properties by personally investing in the redevelopment of properties throughout Ohio. Particularly in the City of Toledo, Brad has been the driving force behind the redevelopment of several brownfield properties that would otherwise not have been addressed (Please let me know if you need details). He is the ideal candidate for Brownfield Renewal Person of the Year because of his innovative methods and successes with actually putting properties back into productive reuse. read more

	Lee Samowitz , Former Co-Chairman of the Commerce Commitee — State of Connecticut, General Assembly (20)
Reason: The need to recognize the signifiance of section 32-9t of CGA and the fact that no one talked about brownfields before him. Governor Rowland called him REPRESENTATIVE BROWNFIELD. … The need to recognize the signifiance of section 32-9t of CGA and the fact that no one talked about brownfields before him. Governor Rowland called him REPRESENTATIVE BROWNFIELD. read more

	Thomas Menino , Mayor of Boston — City of Boston (Mayor of Boston, 1993-present)
Reason: Serving as the Mayor of Boston since 1993 and known in the neighborhoods as the urban mechanic, Thomas M. Menino uniquely understands the challenges and opportunities in redeveloping brownfield sites as an … Serving as the Mayor of Boston since 1993 and known in the neighborhoods as the urban mechanic, Thomas M. Menino uniquely understands the challenges and opportunities in redeveloping brownfield sites as an economic development and community revitalization strategy. The City of Boston has a long history of industry, and a dense urban core that makes brownfield redevelopment a key factor in the city’s built environment. The development history of Boston also includes major shifts in the economy of the city, and various neighborhoods have experienced first-hand the difficulties of major businesses and industry moving out of their areas, causing both economic hardship along with vacant buildings and land. During his tenure, Mayor Menino has consistently looked to ways to jumpstart and sustain growth throughout all neighborhoods in Boston. Dudley Square, located in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, was greatly affected by the loss of urban business and industry. Once a commercial hub for the area, Dudley Square suffered both the loss of locally owned businesses, as well as the departure of the Modern Electroplating factory. This not only hurt the area economically, but also left behind a highly contaminated brownfield site. To address the various issues facing the area, in June 2007 Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced his “Dudley Square Vision,” which included real estate development through new state of the art municipal buildings, programming to enhance and build upon the commercial district, and community engagement. A key aspect of this vision was the remediation, redevelopment and reuse of the Modern Electroplating site. The City of Boston and the Boston Redevelopment Authority worked with North America Site Developers, Inc. and Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. on the building demolition and site remediation of the brownfield. In accordance with the Mayor’s vision of bringing new, state-of-the –art municipal buildings to the Dudley Square area, the local Boston Police B-2 station was slated for construction at the site. In August 2011, Mayor Menino joined community members, various city agencies, Massachusetts DEP, and US EPA officials to inaugurate the B-2 Police Station in Dudley Square, the first LEED certified new construction project for the City of Boston. The LEED Silver-rated station has extensive sustainable design features including day-lighting, energy efficiency, reduced water use, both a reflective and green roof, and comprehensive construction waste recycling. However, one of the greenest and most impressive features of the building is the extensive remediation of the site, and the far-reach environmental and health benefits of the remediation on the area and its residents. Following the completion of the LEED-certified B-2 area Boston Police station in Dudley Square, Mayor Menino has continued his vision for the revitalization of the area by issuing a Request for Designer Qualifications for a 125,000 to 175,000 square foot municipal office building to be built on the former Ferdinand’s Furniture building in Dudley Square, another brownfield in the Dudley Square area that has been remediated. This construction project will not only create local jobs for the area bringing over 400 municipal employees, but also will be the next step in continuing economic growth and revitalizing Dudley Square.. Mayor Menino is focused on attracting design teams that bring an approach to design that includes an understanding of cost-effective, green building, and will incorporate local community engagement. This next phase of redevelopment for Dudley Square will help to galvanize and sustain economic growth for the area, and continue the transformation and reuse of former brownfield sites into green development for the City of Boston. Mayor Menino’s Dudley Square Vision paves the way for the transformation of this area of Boston that was hard hit by loss of urban business and industry. The former brownfield site that blighted this area for many years has been redeveloped to house a state-of-the-art police station, which was considered one of the most contaminated brownfield sites in Massachusetts. With the second phase of the Mayor’s Dudley Square vision being implemented with the construction at the Ferdinand site Dudley Square is on its way to economic revitalization and growth. All of this occurred because of Mayor Menino’s dedication to his vision for the revitalization of Dudley Square, and making the area a healthy, vibrant and safe community for residents and visitors. read more

	Daniel Costello , President/Owner — Acumium LLC (10)
Reason: Daniel has been an innovative leader in the field of technology and Content Management Systems for the past ten years. His in depth understanding of the consultative approach to helping organizations, has … Daniel has been an innovative leader in the field of technology and Content Management Systems for the past ten years. His in depth understanding of the consultative approach to helping organizations, has enabled Acumium to become one of the highly respected website platform companies in the industry. Daniel's proprietary CMS platforms has continued to offer fast return on investment and has offered 30% growth per quarter for some companies. Daniel invests his time and money for the success of his clients and guarantees nothing but the highest customer service in the industry. A man that should be recognized for his years of service. read more

	Yvonne Mallory , Economic Development Manager and Brownfields Coordinator — City of Gardena ()
Reason: Yvonne is a one-woman powerhouse. She works miracles for the City of Gardena with the limited resources available to her. Yvonne comprises the entire Economic Development department at the City … Yvonne is a one-woman powerhouse. She works miracles for the City of Gardena with the limited resources available to her. Yvonne comprises the entire Economic Development department at the City of Gardena. She does not have the support of a dedicated staff or a Redevelopment Agency - her support comes only from a competent and visionary City Manager and her network in the industry. Gardena is a city with heavy industrial and commercial land uses mixed in closely with residential properties. Gardena has numerous gas stations with leaking USTs, dry cleaners with solvent releases, and a significant metals industry due to Southern California's role in World War II manufacturing and the proliferation of the aerospace industry following World War II. Over the past decade, Yvonne has successfully obtained multiple brownfields grant from the U.S. EPA, totaling $1.2 million, for assessment of contaminated and blighted properties in Gardena. She actively tracks the environmental investigation and remediation of many chemical release sites in Gardena where contamination is affecting off-site properties and residents. Her work has facilitated redevelopment of many sites in Gardena, including a 9 acre former retail swap meet and gas station site with the City's new municipal bus line and transit facility, the 10 acre former Honeywell site with commercial properties at Gardena Marketplace, and several others. Yvonne is currently focusing on future remediation and redevelopment of the Gardena Sumps site, which is located on a corner of a primary business and traffic corridor in the City. Following industrial clay excavations in the 1930s, the resulting pits were filled with refinery wastes, tank bottom sludges, and rinse water acids until the late 1950s. Today the site is highly contaminated, fenced, and partially capped. Yvonne has forged a partnership with the environmental agency and the responsible party and is working diligently to insure that future remedial alternatives are compatible with redevelopment and beneficial reuse of this site. Yvonne's commitment to the City of Gardena and her work are impressive and humbling to those who know and work with her. She has unmatched drive and determination to improve the City of Gardena, to address the many Brownfields sites and contaminated properties, and to make Gardena an environmentally safe and friendly city for redevelopment. The long years of hard work and selfless dedication of someone so tenacious and unshakable in her resolve should be recognized and rewarded. My strong recommendation for the 2011 Person of the Year Award is Yvonne Mallory. read more

	Brian O'Neill , Chairman and CEO — O'Neill Properties Group (30+)
Reason: Brian O'Neill has consistently succeeded throughout his career in revitalizing, reusing and renewing defunct factories and brownfield sites with successful, Class A multi-family, office and mixed-use communities. From a remediated paint factory … Brian O'Neill has consistently succeeded throughout his career in revitalizing, reusing and renewing defunct factories and brownfield sites with successful, Class A multi-family, office and mixed-use communities. From a remediated paint factory on the banks of the Schuylkill River over 20 years ago, to the just-opened 660,000 SF refrigerated facility of the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, Mr. O’Neill’s real estate development and construction organization breathes new life into aging towns, commercial and industrial sites in the Northeast, bringing employment, upscale housing and tax revenues to blighted areas. The O’Neill strategy of “cooperative community re-development” began in 1988 and has transformed the Conshohocken, PA riverfront area, known as Millennium, as well as the Lubin Film Studio property adjacent to the Valley Forge National Historical Park in Montgomery County, PA. Other projects like these, which are based on the live, work and play model, include the redevelopment of the Eastern State Hospital in Bucks County, PA, the former National Lead site in Sayreville, NJ and the Worthington Steel site in Chester County, PA. Mr. O'Neill has been recognized for his contributions to both the business and local communities. Most recently, he was named Citizen of the Year by the PenJerDel Council, Philadelphia. In 2001 he received, the Entrepreneur of the Year award from Ernst & Young and the Philadelphia Business Journal. He has been a member of the board of trustees of The Episcopal Academy, Merion, and the Rosemont School of the Holy Child, Rosemont. A commitment to the Philadelphia region’s youth is reflected in Mr. O’Neill’s fundraising on behalf of the St. Edmonds Home for Children, Gladwyne, and his active support of the Camp Hill Special School, Camp Hill, Riverbend Environmental Education Center, Gladwyne, and the Philadelphia chapters of the Catholic Youth Organization, Time for Teens and Inner City Games, among others. read more

	Tom Wackerman , President — ASTI Environmental ()
Reason: Mr. Wackerman, along with his business partner Peter Collins, started ASTI Environmental in the winter of 1985. Together the pair have completed over 7,000 projects throughout the Great Lakes Region - the … Mr. Wackerman, along with his business partner Peter Collins, started ASTI Environmental in the winter of 1985. Together the pair have completed over 7,000 projects throughout the Great Lakes Region - the majority in Michigan. Wackerman doubles as ASTIs Director of Brownfield Redevelopment. In this role Wackerman has obtained brownfield funding, completed environmental assessments and crafted exit strategies for the former Parke Davis facility in the City of Detroit's East Riverfront district, a $35 million project that will become one of the City of Detroit's first Senior Assisted Living facilities; the $200 million redevelopment of the 204-acre former Steelcase Campus in Grand Rapids, MI that created 2,000 jobs; the redevelopment of a Civil War prison in Jackson, MI that is now a mixed-use neighborhood with artist live/work facilities and affordable apartments known as "Armory Arts"; and the recently completed Bay City Business Center in Bay City, MI - a LEED Gold Certified building and home to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE) and the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth. Perhaps the signature project in a distinguised career, Gardenview Estates was awarded the 2009 Building Industry Association's (BIA) Development of the Year - the first project in the City of Detroit so honored by the BIA. Wackerman was instrumental in providing Tax Increment Financing for Gardenview Estates, a 138-acre public housing project that was built on the the former Herman Gardens Public Housing site that had been vacant and blighted for over ten years. When completed, this development will consist of 833 new single-family and rental homes, an early learning center, a central park and pond, 8 acres of retail. A Detroit/National Football League (NFL) Boys and Girls Club Youth Education Town opened in 2007. In total, WACKERMAN HAS OBTAINED MORE THAN $71 MILLION IN INCENTIVES THE PAST THREE YEARS, representing over $300 million in investment. An accomplished speaker, Wackerman has taught numerous seminars and classes on the topic of brownfield redevelopment for such institutions as the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, University of Detroit Law School, Ave Maria Law School and the ICSCs University of Shopping Centers at the Wharton School of Business. Finally, Wackerman has developed a wider approach to Brownfield Redevelopment by creating an Environmental Concerns Inventory (ECI). While most Brownfield programs focus on individual projects, the ECI assesses area-wide environmental impediments to redevelopment and develops a plan to stage redevelopment (including conducting assessments, obtaining incentives and providing information for land use and planning) that is appropriate to the existing conditions. More importantly, it identifies financing methods for stabilizing environmental problems on properties in the study area that may not be immediately developable, and for funding infrastructure that may be feasible if the entire area is included when developing Brownfield Plans. The ECI includes an interactive map that can quickly tell potential developers about the types of environmental concerns/contaminants that might be present in both the planning area and on the specific property and provides a tool that can be easily updated as assessments provide additional information. Wackerman believes that an ECI can be a significant tool to attract and educate potential developers to areas that are otherwise encumbered by both real and assumed environmental impediments. For example, when an ECI was created for an area with a concentration of landfills in the City of Rochester Hills, the ECI identified areas where landfilling operations had not occurred and which may be development ready with minimum remediation or controls. When asked about his successful practice, Wackerman stressed four basic points that he brings to every project: 1. working to create public/private partnerships, 2. focusing on the area wide implications of, and solutions for, brownfields 3. working with developers to maximize site design to minimize costs while protecting human health and environment 4. identifying and utilizing all of the availabale incentive tools for both developers and municipalities Always one to find humor in a serious profession, Wackerman's business card reads EVANGELICAL THUNDER LIZARD (really). read more

	Catherine Finneran , Director of Clean Energy — Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) (17)
Reason: Catherine Finneran was recently named as our new MassDEP Director of Clean Energy where she will oversee the implementation of the new Clean Energy Results Program. Catherine brings more than 17 … Catherine Finneran was recently named as our new MassDEP Director of Clean Energy where she will oversee the implementation of the new Clean Energy Results Program. Catherine brings more than 17 years experience in government, non-profit, community, and consulting organizations focused on guiding complex projects through permitting and development phases. Since 2000, Catherine has served as Brownfield Coordinator for MassDEP where she has developed and implemented our highly successful brownfield program. This program has provided regulatory assistance to more than 900 environmentally challenged reuse projects across the Commonwealth leading to smart growth, clean energy and energy-efficient development. Most recently Catherine has served as lead for Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray’s Brownfield Support Team Initiative, managing high-level multi-agency teams focused on advancement of cleanup and reuse of 300 acres across 11 communities. Prior to MassDEP, Catherine served in planning and management positions with the Chicopee Neighborhood Development Corporation and The Planning Center in Arizona, as well as the cities of Prescott, Arizona and Chicopee and Springfield, Massachusetts. Catherine attended the Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Catherine will continue to work on brownfields (with the new Director of Brownfields & Environmental Justice) in her new role, promoting clean and efficient reuse of contaminated sites. read more

	Paula Boase , Director of Economic Development — Downriver Community Conference (25)
Reason: Paula coordinated the re-development of a contaminated piece of property into an operational facility that manufactures wind turbine towers (Ventower Industries). This was done through the collaboration of the City of … Paula coordinated the re-development of a contaminated piece of property into an operational facility that manufactures wind turbine towers (Ventower Industries). This was done through the collaboration of the City of Monroe Michigan, The Metropolitan Growth Corporation, Michigan Strategic Fund, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, The Environmental Protection Agency, The Small Business Administration, Downriver Brownfield Consortium commercial lenders and internal funding. The plant was opened in August 2011 and will employ up to 150. Total investment is about $25 million. This project was a true team effort initiated by Paula and her brownfield consortium team. read more

	Patrick Kirby , Executive Director — West Virginia Northern Brownfield Assistance Center (Seven)
Reason: While West Virginia may be marketed as "wild and wonderful", it's Northern Panhandle is not. The industrial legacy of steel production and its residual businesses are a key occupant of environmentally challenged, … While West Virginia may be marketed as "wild and wonderful", it's Northern Panhandle is not. The industrial legacy of steel production and its residual businesses are a key occupant of environmentally challenged, a strategically located properties throughout the Northern Panhandle. With limited funds, creativity and unforgiving energy, Patrick Kirby has converted over 25 sites to environmentally friendly, job creating and community embraced projects. His tools of achievement include a relentless hands on circuit rider program, a factual/assumptive free dialogue with federal and state agencies, and a private sector sponsorship with his key partner, the Benedum Foundation. When others said "no", Patrick has found ways to say "yes." A recent case is Chester, West Virginia's, Taylor, Smith and Taylor Pottery Site. Under RCCRA acton and doomed in the eyes of the local community, Patrick orchestrated 12 separate agencies and entities to the resale of this downtown property, a community visioning and the forthcoming clean-up of the property. These lasting achievements are the core of a "Brownfield Person of the Year." Identify, priortize, pursue and achieve. read more

Breaking Down Brownfields With nearly 30 years of professional consulting experience, Miles Bolton leads Apex in tackling some of the toughest brownfield redevelopment and engineering projects in the nation. Safety, innovation, efficiency and customer satisfaction are the words that describe Bolton’s project focus, and what drives Apex to provide clients with the highest quality services in the most cost-effective manner.

Wood Secures Grand Rapids Post The city of Grand Rapids’ Economic Development Director Kara Wood has been tapped to represent the city on the Association for Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities, a new statewide agency.

Azar Weighs in on Social Justice, Transit Tied to Redevelopment Steven Azar, 2012 Brownfield Person of the Year, and Senior Project/Program Manager and Director of the city of Somerville, Mass. entire brownfield redevelopment program, looks at his time spent in the private sector as a teachable moment.

Brownfields: A Comprehensive Guide to Redeveloping Contaminated Property, Third Edition Todd S. Davis Scott A. Sherman

GREEN ILLUSIONS: The Dirty Secrets of Clean Energy and the Future of Environmentalism Ozzie Zehner