Brownfields to Greenfields Mapping an Investment Perspective

 A Case Study of Property Values around a clean-up site in

Kenosha, WI

 by

Sean Christofferson

Background Information

What is a Brownfield?• A former industrial or commercial site where future use is affected by

real or perceived environmental contamination. • Real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may

be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

What is a Greenfield?• An undeveloped site, esp. one being evaluated and considered for

commercial development or exploitation

Total Brownfield sites: 450,000 to 1,000,000

• * Estimated number of vacant/contaminated sites, nationally – U.S. General Accounting Office, 2004

BROWNFIELD PROPERTY

AMERICAN BRASS

1902 65TH STREET/1501 63RD STREET KENOSHA, WI 53143

EPA Registry Id: 110038699003

GeocodingTurned Excel Data into Shape or Map data• 891 Property Addresses in

Excel Spreadsheet Form• Property Assessments for

all 891 Property Addresses

SymbologyWanted to represent the changes in Home prices over time

Assessments for:• Pre-1999• 1999• 2000• 2005• 2007

Results• $1,339,220.064

increase in annual property tax revenue• $45,989,700

increase in property assessment value from 99 - 07

Linchpin EffectIn some instances, brownfields redevelopment is the catalyst or the linchpin that creates a positive environment for new investment and leads to transformation of entire neighborhoods and districts.

American Brass now looks like this:

See the Change over time by Color

A Special Thanks to Dr. Kaufman and the Economics Department

• Assessment Data for over 800 properties around Greenfield• Condition Reports