Planning Assistance in Action

by Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner 

Even as things were closed around the country and the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot has been happening to promote the redevelopment of brownfields throughout Maryland, and the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) is proud to play a leading role.

To support brownfield redevelopment, Planning has conducted workshops, developed two new webpages – Solar Facility Siting Guidance and Brownfields Redevelopment Assistance Program – and is hard at work organizing and participating in two upcoming conferences. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded two grants that will assist with brownfield redevelopment efforts in Maryland. The first grant is an EPA community-wide Brownfield Assessment Grant awarded to Planning to conduct Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments. The project is managed by Sylvia Mosser, AICP, Resource Conservation Planner, and Jason Dubow, Manager, Resource Conservation & Management Unit. 

The second EPA grant, awarded to Frederick City, is also to conduct a community-wide assessment of areas adjacent to Carroll Creek and is managed by Richard Griffin, the City’s Economic Development Director. Frederick City applied for the EPA grant in response to Planning’s brownfield redevelopment outreach to the city. 

Look for more about Planning’s grant and related activities, as well as a feature article about Frederick City’s Carroll Creek grant, in future editions of Planning Practice Monthly!