LANSING – The House today approved a plan by State Representative John Espinoza (D-Croswell) to allow more communities to redevelop brownfield properties, a key part of increasing economic growth opportunities – especially for townships and cities in Sanilac County. The legislation now goes to the Senate.
"Transforming these blighted industrial sites into clean, safe areas is critical to the success of our communities," Espinoza said. "We need to do all we can to make our communities welcoming so we can attract new homeowners and employers. My plan removes barriers that have been stopping this development from taking place, particularly in Sanilac County communities."
Sanilac County has no "core" communities – defined as historically denser, urban areas. Currently, authorities in these "non-core" communities cannot use their allotment of property taxes to clean up lead or asbestos at sites, which creates health and safety risks for local residents. They also cannot use the money to demolish structures that stand in the way of development.
Espinoza's legislation allows brownfield development authorities in "non-core" communities to use their funds for those purposes.
In addition, the legislation allows brownfield redevelopment authorities to reimburse legal and consulting firms for reasonable costs that they incur. Developers often choose to develop green space rather than pay these costs.
"To stimulate economic growth, we must create incentives for key economic players – including developers," Espinoza said. "Revitalizing a brownfield site has a positive domino effect in an area. This legislation will allow more of our communities to start moving in the right direction."