Establishment of City-wide Brownfield Designated Area for Economic Development
The City of Palatka is proposing to establish a City-Wide Brownfield Designated Area to promote economic development and voluntary environmental investigation or cleanup of current or former Commercial or Industrial sites. This proposed Brownfield Designated Area is prepared in accordance with Florida State Statutes Sections 376.77-376.85 (“Brownfield Redevelopment Act”). The program coordinates with FDEP and provides tax incentives and other benefits for cleanup and redevelopment. The original concept of “brownfield site” generally includes former industrial or commercial properties, with no inclusion of residential properties or other site types. While residential properties are included in the City-Wide area, typically only Commercial or Industrial properties meet the definition of a Brownfield. Environmentally impacted properties are commonly found in many areas and can include closed dry cleaners, auto-body shops, abandoned gas stations, industrial properties, and in some cases in residential areas.
A formal public presentation on this program will be presented at the City Commission meeting that begins at 6:00 P.M. Eastern Time on January 13, 2022 at the City Commission Chambers, 201 N. 2nd Street, Palatka, Florida and on the official City YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNDUY0RLNAYUGdKIK3tMXog . Pending the public hearing process where comments may be received, combined with the City Commission meeting to be held on February 10, 2022, a second public hearing on the proposed designation area that may be voted on as a formal City Resolution adopting all parcels within the City of Palatka boundaries into the Brownfield Designated Area with the focus being on properties zoned commercial or industrial.
If you are interested in learning more or have any information or comments relevant to this process, we welcome your comments, suggestions, or other input. Comments in writing or questions can be addressed to:
5201 E. Terrace Drive, Suite 200
PeotterB@AyresAssociates.com
