Project Highlights.Burlington is a community steeped in history. Some of that history is associated with a former vibrant industrial-era economy that unknowingly had the potential to degrade the environmental condition of properties. Some of the degradation may have occurred as a result of leaking underground fuel or chemical storage tanks, asbestos insulation, or lead-based paint use. Other areas may have been degraded by the wide variety of industrial chemicals used to manufacture 20th century goods. The city's brownfields initiative is designed to address real or perceived issues associated with a site's historical use as a means of removal hurdles to reinvestment. Some of the sites being addressed under the city's Brownfields Program are presented below.
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Dresser RandThe City has invested resources to bring the former Dresser Rand property back into productive use. The city completed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment in 2008, completed a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment in 2009, and then proceeded to demolish the two industrial buildings in early 2013. The site has been cleaned up and is proceeding through Iowa's Land Recycling Program. The site’s size and location position it as a strategic gateway to what the 2012 Comprehensive Plan envisions as a redeveloped mixed use downtown. New opportunities await this prime location on the edge of Downtown.
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Typewriter ShopThe historic Typewriter Shop has been vacant for over 20 years and has fallen into disrepair blighting the surrounding community. It has a lot going for it – attractive architecture, a great location, parking access, eligibility for historic rehab tax credits, and great river views. In 2016 the property was acquired by the City and Downtown Partners has since taken over ownership of the building and committed to spending $25,000 on fixing the roof and “white boxing” the building to make it suitable for future development. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was performed on the property in December of 2015.Under Construction
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OthersThe City will use catalyst sites to spur redevelopment within the target area. With separate EPA Area Wide Planning grant funding high priority brownfields site reuse plans will use data and information from existing conditions analysis, market analysis, and community involvement to determine the best use for catalyst and other brownfield sites. This will include a list of key strategies for redevelopment of each site including any additional needs for assessment or cleanup of hazardous materials at each site.
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CommunityBurlington continues to work toward equitable development and support community goals for housing, local businesses, jobs, transportation, and preserving opportunities for residents. City staff and partners are identifying resources to overcome obstacles to infill development and strategizing on the specific tools necessary to leverage private sector investment for infill opportunities. In addition, city staff continually evaluate how well zoning codes, policies, and programs align with community smart growth principles. Through anticipated brownfield planning efforts city staff and partners will develop strategies for greening downtown streets based on national models and case studies.
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EconomicsDowntown Burlington will provide a unique mix of commercial, residential, public and related uses in a pedestrian-friendly environment. It is envisioned that the downtown areas will include a mix of retail and service commercial, office, institutional, higher density residential, public uses and/or park and recreation uses. Uses in Downtown are expected to be integrated both vertically and horizontally.
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EnvironmentThe city of Burlington and its partners are working to develop tools to help achieve desired downtown redevelopment goals, improve quality of life, and become more economically and environmentally sustainable. Burlington will prepare for climate change-related flooding and plan for disaster resilience by frequently reassessing local plans, policies, and development regulations.
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