Denver Brownfield Program catalyst to revitalization of Colfax
“During the height of the Fas Tracks development, Denver added the Denver Brownfields Program. Brownfields are real property where the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or perceived presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. Examples of brownfield sites include former industrial sites, gas stations, dry cleaners, junkyards and landfills.
Funded by grants from the EPA, the City and County of Denver program has assisted in the revitalization and redevelopment of some key sights in Denver. The Mile High Vista and the Central Platte Campus are among those. Dave Wilmoth, Brownfields Co-Coordinator spoke with pride in discussing two other projects, The South Lincoln Project and The Tramway Center.
At 10th and Osage, the S. Lincoln Redevelopment Plan might have run into difficulties without the partnership of the Denver Housing Authority (DHA) and the Denver Brownfields Program. South Lincoln Homes is owned and managed by DHA and contains 270 public housing units originally built in 1953 on 15.1 acres in the La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood and within walking distance of the 10th and Osage RTD light rail station. The DHA master plan to redevelop the site included a mix of housing products and a range of income levels including market rate, subsidized affordable housing, and public housing. New economic opportunities will foster a sustainable community and Transit Oriented Development that will serve a broad resident base. The first phase of redevelopment occurred on an adjacent brownfield that the City purchased and remediated using EPA Brownfield grants and City funds.”
Szynskie, Michelle. examiner.com 17 January 2013.