Brownfields Redevelopment, Preferences and Public Involvement: A Case Study of an Ethnically Mixed Neighbourhood

A survey was conducted with over 200 residents of a largely Hispanic census tract in the City of Perth Amboy, NJ, in order to identify their preferences for brownfield redevelopment and the extent to which residents want to participate in the redevelopment process. We found that residents preferred recreation, cultural and other community facilities, followed by new housing. They were less interested in industry and business. Three-quarters of respondents indicated a desire to participate in the redevelopment process. Those who were most interested in participation tended to be optimistic, less trusting of authority, distressed by brownfields and focused on providing opportunities for youth. In light of the fact that US brownfields redevelopment has been promoted as a way to bring industry and commerce back to inner-city neighbourhoods, the findings of this study imply that local government and business interests need to work closely with local communities to build support for commercial land uses. Alternatively, processes need to be developed that will fund the clean-up of brownfield sites to residential and recreation land-use standards.