The City of Houston is looking to give away federal grant money to those who will clean up and revitalize possibly contaminated properties.
Starting now, local governments, non-profits, and private developers can apply for low-interest, forgivable loans from the city to fix up brownfields.
The EPA defines brownfields as properties that have the presence or potential presence of harmful substances.
In a city known for its lack of zoning, through more than a century of development and redevelopment, some residents said they don’t know what’s under the places we live and frequent.
“It look like something out of a sci-fi movie,” one Kashmere Gardens Resident said.
City and state officials said cancer levels are higher than normal there.
The EPA is still looking into whether those rates are linked to a site now owned by Union Pacific Railroad.
Brownfields can, however, be smaller, such as an abandoned gas station or dry cleaning facility, where chemicals may have leeched into the soil or groundwater.
“A brownfield is defined as a site that could have the potential to be contaminated, which really could be anything, especially with major cities like Houston starting off by the port and the railroad,” Christa Stoneham, the President and CEO of the Houston Land Bank, said.
The Houston Land Bank partners with the City of Houston to redevelop brownfields.
The idea, Stoneham said, is to work with local community members.
“On a personal level, it’s good to see these empty lots get developed,” said Ricky Cardenas, the Director of External Affairs for the East End District. “The East End was typically an industrial area and is swiftly becoming more residential. We need more amenities in the neighborhood.”
The city of Houston has identified these 14 neighborhoods that need help the most and have the infrastructure to support change:
Denver Harbor/Port Houston
Downtown (including East Downtown Neighborhood)
Old Spanish Trail/South Union
Second Ward, Greater Fifth Ward, Third Ward, and Near Northside were chosen as the top priorities for the city’s new loan program, city officials said, because of strong community organizations in the areas.
“My dream is to see a big, huge grocery store,” Cardenas said. “Maybe right down the street is a medical center.”
City officials said the funding can be used for environmental assessments, clean-up, and rebuilding.
Applications are rolling, so there is no deadline to apply.
City officials have not said how much money they have to distribute.
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