Editor, Gov1

Brownfields Grants Give Old Industrial Sites New Life

Redevelopment of brownfields can help cities like Meriden, Conn. attract more businesses and private developments and reduce the tax burden on homeowners.

MERIDEN, CONN. -- Meriden, Conn., also known as “Silver City” because of its 19 ^th century dominance in silver manufacturing, has a rich industrial history lasting through World War II. It is strewn with brownfields, parcels that are abandoned or underused because of environmental complications. It’s also nearly built out, City Manager Lawrence Kendziorto told the Record-Journal.

Redevelopment of brownfields can help cities like Meriden attract more businesses and private developments and reduce the tax burden on homeowners. The city has received $5.7 million in brownfields grants. The state’s Department of Economic and Community Development has provided $4 million of that money.

The city’s efforts to attract both state and federal grants—some $24 million in the last few years—has resulted in some impressive financing to revitalize its downtown. Overall, for every dollar the city invests, it’s attracting about another $5 from federal, municipal, and private sources. That’s why everywhere you look in downtown Meriden, you’ll spy construction.