Brownfields are real properties where the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant, including petroleum. Many brownfields are former industrial or commercial facilities that are now under-utilized, idled, or abandoned.

Brownfield Sites
In the City of Anderson there are approximately 150 brownfield properties, comprising 800 to 1,000 total acres. Anderson’s industrial legacy is a big reason for the large number of brownfield properties. In Anderson, brownfield sites vary in size, location, age, and past use; they include anything from large closed industrial facilities, former dry cleaners, bulk fuel storage sites, and former gas stations.

Environmental Personality
Brownfield properties are unique from other real estate in that they have an environmental personality. That personality includes:

• Complicated tax and title issues
• Future liability concerns
• Increased cost associated with predevelopment
• Potential citizen and environmental complications
• Regulatory red tape resulting in increased development time
• Uncertain clean-up costs

First Step Toward Program
One of the first steps the City of Anderson took to address the large number of brownfield properties happened over 10 years ago. That first step was realizing the value and amazing potential of revitalizing underused and abandoned properties in Anderson. Secondly, the city established and continues to maintain its Brownfields Redevelopment Program.