Springfield's Brownfields Redevelopment Program

What are Brownfields?

While there is no formal definition of the term "brownfields" in Massachusetts, brownfields often have certain characteristics in common: They are typically abandoned or for sale or lease; they typically have been used for commercial or industrial purposes; they may have been reported to MassDEP because contamination has been found; or they may not have been assessed due to fear of unknown contamination conditions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a definition of brownfields for federal funding purposes, “With certain legal exclusions and additions, the term `brownfield site' means 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”.[1]

Program’s Goals

The City of Springfield's main goal is to promote the sustainable reuse existing brownfields and preventing the creation of additional ones. Redeveloping brownfields shifts development pressures away from undeveloped land, improving and protecting the environment.  Further, brownfields redevelopment returns non-productive real estate assets to productive use, promoting economic development.

The City of Springfield’s Brownfields Program is managed by the Office of Planning and Economic Development. The Office of Community Development also plays a critical role by managing the funds for the program. 

Environmental Site Assessments

The City of Springfield's Brownfields Program facilitates Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments and Phase III Cleanup Plans on priority redevelopment sites. The site assessments have been primarily funded through the City’s EPA grants, or from Targeted Brownfields Assessments performed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection or EPA.

 The following sites are currently undergoing environmental assessments:

• 1141 Dwight Street
• 1101-1107 Dwight Street
• 460 Walnut Street
• State Street-Indian Motorcycle Building
• State Street-Mason Square Fire Station
• 609-611 Main Street
• 2594 Main Street
• 155 Hickory Street

Current Redevelopment Projects:<//a><//a>

• 225 Goodwin Street-Indian Orchard Business Park (formerly known as Chapman Valve) link to site page
• Central Street-Gemini Site link to Gemini site page<//a><//a>
• West Columbus Avenue-York Street Site link to York Street site page<//a><//a>

Successful Brownfield Redevelopment Projects in Springfield:

• Springfield Smith & Wesson Industrial Park - Springfield Performance Food Group moved into this site after environmental remediation was completed - link to site page
• 126 Memorial Drive. Redeveloped for a new Astro Logistics facility - link to Astro Logistics site page
• Former Springfield DPW yard, Taylor Street.  Redeveloped for the new Hampden-Zimmerman showroom and expansion of Springfield Foods facility.
• Former Carew Street School, Carew Street.  Redeveloped for a new Head Start facility.
• Plainfield Street Soccer Facility, Plainfield Street.  Formerly a junk yard, this site has been cleaned and is now a soccer facility for the Brightwood Neighborhood.
• Bing Theater, Sumner Avenue.  Formerly a gasoline filling station and auto repair shop, the theater will be redeveloped as an arts center.