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Project Background

Cayuga County has received a matching grant from the New York State Department of State, with funds provided under the Environmental Protection Fund, to complete a Countywide Pre-Planning Inventory and Analysis of brownfield-affected properties across all county towns and villages, excluding the City of Auburn.

Cayuga County has contracted with Fisher Associates and their subconsultant MUD Workshop to provide the necessary services to conduct this countywide assessment of potential brownfield-affected sites. The following excerpts from Fisher Associates' proposal to Cayuga County outlines their approach for this project.

Path to Implementation     

This pre-planning study is the launchpad for implementation. Fisher's goal is to help Cayuga County and its municpalities move seamlessly from assessment to strategy. Our deliverables will enable the County to:

  • Develop a mapped inventory tied to both environmental data and market readiness

  • ​Identify priority clusters with clear rationale for future BOA nomination

  • Integrate planning with ongoing DRI, NY Forward, LWRP, and local revitalization strategies

  • Recommend actions, partnerships, and funding pathways - whether through NYS DOS, EPS, ESD, or private-sector collaboration

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Fisher Associates’ integrated, equity-driven approach will ensure that this inventory reflects more than just
brownfield status—it will reflect readiness, community support, and catalytic potential. Our process will provide Cayuga County with an actionable foundation for longterm brownfield revitalization, environmental health, and sustainable development across its towns and villages.

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By leveraging its planning momentum and aligning with state and federal funding streams, Cayuga County
can transform its brownfield challenges into a bold, community-driven redevelopment agenda.

The workplan for this project includes the following tasks:

(Tasks in BOLD will be completed by Fisher Associates and MUD Workshop, all others are the responsibility of the Cayuga County Dept. of Planning & Economic Development)

  • Pre-Planning Scoping Meeting with DOS

  • Solicitation of Consulting Services

  • Consultant Selection and Compliance with Local Procurement Requirements

  • Consultant Subcontract Preparation and Execution

  • Project Scoping Session with the Selected Consultant

  • Develop Approach to Inventorying Known Brownfield, Vacant, and/or Underutilized Sites

  • Inventory Vacant, Underutilized and/or Brownfield Sites

  • Analyses of Vacant, Underutilized, and Brownfield Concentrations

  • Draft Brownfield Inventory & Analysis Report

  • Final Brownfield Inventory and Analysis Report

  • NYS Environmental Quality Review

  • Final Project Summary Report

  • MWBE Reporting

"Brownfield sites are real properties where a contaminant is present at levels exceeding the soil cleanup objectives or where levels exceed other health-based or environmental standards, criteria, or guidance adopted by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation that are applicable based on the reasonably anticipated use of the property, in accordance with applicable regulations. Known or suspected site contamination of real property can impede investment and redevelopment, making such property an economic and environmental drain on localities. Through the New York State Department of State Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Program, these known and suspected brownfields are transformed from liabilities to community assets that generate businesses, jobs and revenues for local economies and provide new housing and public amenities.

 

The BOA program applies a Smart Growth approach to brownfield assessment and redevelopment, using neighborhood-wide planning and conservation strategies, rather than the traditional site-by-site assessment and redevelopment of known or suspected brownfields and other vacant or abandoned properties. The neighborhood approach enables communities to comprehensively assess existing economic and environmental conditions associated with brownfield-related blight and impacted areas; identify and prioritize community supported redevelopment opportunities; and attract public and private investment. The types of areas where program resources are being applied include industrial/manufacturing zones, commercial corridors, mixed-use neighborhoods, downtowns and waterfronts.

 

Through the BOA Program, communities are empowered to:

  • Address a range of problems posed by multiple known or suspected brownfield sites.

  • Build community consensus on the future uses for the area with an emphasis on strategic sites that are known or suspected brownfields.

  • Establish sustainable goals and objectives for area-wide revitalization and for redevelopment of strategic sites.

  • Implement existing and future Smart Growth plans through the identification and reuse of underutilized and potential brownfield properties.

  • Strengthen and direct development towards existing neighborhoods and preserve open space.

  • Make re-development decisions that are equitable, fair, and will create an environment that adapts to ecological disturbances.

  • Identify and establish the multi-agency and private-sector partnerships necessary to leverage assistance and investments to revitalize downtowns, neighborhoods, and communities.

  • Reduce carbon emissions and increase climate resiliency in the built environment.

  • Address environmental justice concerns and promote environmental equity in areas that may be burdened by negative environmental consequences; and

  • Engage in activities to implement the community’s vision after BOA designation by Department of State."

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Description from: RFA #24-BOA-4; New York State Department of State; Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure; BROWNFIELD OPPORTUNITY AREA PROGRAM; 2024 - 2025 REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

This project is being prepared with funding provided by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.

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