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SRP Brownfields Brownfields Development Area Initiative BDA Application Guidance

Brownfields Development Area Application Guidance 2008 (posted 23 January 2008)

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Brownfield Reuse (OBR) is pleased to provide this application guidance for Brownfield Development Area (BDA) designation. The BDA initiative is designed to help communities affected by multiple brownfields to plan for and implement remediation and reuse of those brownfields in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. The BDA Initiative represents a unique partnership between NJDEP, other involved agencies and the public to transform neighborhoods and communities.

BDA designation initiates a long-term partnership among the applicant Steering Committee, the host municipality, DEP and other involved agencies to focus available resources to develop and implement a strategic plan for remediation and reuse of the brownfield sites within the BDA. Although a dedicated local planner is not required, the Department’s experience indicates that BDA Steering Committees can benefit from having an environmental/planning point person assist with BDA project development, coordination and implementation. This point person can be a resource to the Steering Committee and help realize the full benefit of the BDA designation by keeping the projects on track. This person may be a municipal employee or a consultant.

BDA Selection Process and Criteria

In the BDA application process, Steering Committees and partnering municipalities will apply to DEP for designation of an area affected by multiple brownfields as a “Brownfield Development Area” or BDA. BDA projects will be selected annually by a team of involved State agencies based on application quality and staff availability. The process will be highly selective based on the likelihood for success. Applications for the calendar year 2008 application period must be received by the Office of Brownfield Reuse by March 31, 2008.

Selection criteria will include:

  • Quality and completeness of the BDA application
  • Extent to which the boundaries of the proposed BDA are consistent with the boundaries of a community or neighborhood, rather than merely properties that happen to be located near one another
  • Extent to which the proposed BDA project is consistent with Smart Growth principles
  • Potential benefits to the community, public health, and the environment from the proposed project
  • Level and breadth of community support for the proposed Steering Committee and BDA project
  • Clarity of community vision for the BDA
  • Likelihood of successfully implementing the community vision as demonstrated by an approved formal Master Plan for the proposed BDA project area
  • The status or progress of an existing BDA in the host municipality (The BDA is a municipality’s highest priority for brownfield redevelopment. To ensure that adequate municipal resources are available for each BDA, and to ensure that all municipalities have an equal opportunity to participate in the BDA process, municipalities will be limited to one BDA designation every 5 years.)

Applicants not selected for BDA designation will receive assistance in improving their applications for consideration in the future.

Memorandum of Understanding Establishing the BDA

Successful applicants will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will govern the partnership formed by the Steering Committee, the municipality and the DEP. The MOU memorializes the BDA boundaries and the Steering Committee membership, sets forth the steps of the BDA process and the commitments of all parties. This MOU will be executed upon designation and renewed at the beginning of each calendar year upon determination by DEP of adequate progress. This annual renewal requirement will impose a responsibility on all parties to ensure such progress. The BDA designation may be renewed annually until implementation of the reuse plan is complete. A copy of the standard-form MOU is found at http://www.nj.gov/dep/srp/brownfields/bda/ and should be carefully considered by all participants prior to application.

Who Can Apply

Applications will be accepted on behalf of local Steering Committees, comprised of representatives from municipalities, counties or non-profit organizations and property owners in conjunction with the host municipality. All applications must include an ordinance or a resolution of support from the host municipality to partner with the applicant Steering Committee and to adhere to the terms of the MOU governing the BDA project.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted on an annual basis. Section-by-section instructions for completing the BDA application form follow in this document. Applications for the calendar year 2008 application period must be received by the Office of Brownfield Reuse by March 31, 2008. Be sure to include five (5) paper copies and one electronic copy (in Word or other compatible format).

Application packages must be submitted to:

Brownfield Development Area Application
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Brownfield Reuse
401 East State Street
P.O. Box 028
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0028

Applicants are encouraged to contact OBR for more information or assistance with completing the BDA application. When calling, please direct your questions to:

Office of Brownfield Reuse
Phone: (609) 292-1251
Fax: (609) 777-1914

Guidelines by Section