East Spencer receives federal Brownfields grant

Published 12:00 am Saturday, June 4, 2016

By Shavonne Potts

EAST SPENCER — The town of East Spencer was awarded a $400,000 federal Brownfields assessment grant, making it possible to have property assessed that could lead the town to clean up and redevelop historical property.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields Program allows communities to recycle vacant and abandoned properties for new, productive reuses. The investments provide communities with the funding necessary to assess, clean up and redevelop contaminated properties.
“We are delighted to have this opportunity to pave the way for further progress and redevelopment of East Spencer,” said Mayor Barbara Mallett.
The town hopes to assess the Dunbar Center, which it can, but because the town doesn’t own the property, it can’t conduct a clean-up of it.

East Spencer was one of two North Carolina towns that received the grant; Richmond City is the other.

In the next two weeks, work will commence on developing the work plan and project schedule. Included in the plans are to evaluate and assess six to eight sites for future redevelopment. Through the grant, the town will also be able to test other vacant sites in town to determine future development potential. The project will get underway in 60 to 90 days and will require two to three years to complete.

Cardno Associates will work at no cost to the town on the project, but will receive payment through grant reimbursement.

— Shavonne Walker

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