The reclamation of brownfield sites is a relatively new phenomenon for regulators, investors, lenders and community groups. Long-term data trends, extensive research statistics and a standard operating procedure do not exist. The most effective mechanisms to become better educated regarding the redevelopment of formerly abandoned or underused sites are through interviews and case studies.

For this project, RPA conducted dozens of interviews with professionals in brownfields-related occupations and spoke with owners and developers of former brownfield sites. These interviews and case studies chronicle the lessons learned in both successful and less-than-successful endeavors and contain knowledge, ideas and, perhaps, the beginning of a blueprint for strategic brownfields redevelopment in the Tri-State Metropolitan Region.