Can We Turn Rust into Opportunity? The Mohawk Valley’s New Bet on Brownfields

By David LaGuerre

What do we do with the ghosts of our industrial past? Across the Mohawk Valley, empty factories and abandoned commercial sites, known as brownfields, stand as silent reminders of a different economic era. But what if, instead of symbols of decline, they could become beacons of renewal? That is the central question behind the upcoming Brownfields Developer Summit, a critical effort to turn these underutilized properties into engines of future growth.

From Eyesores to Economic Assets

The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD) is hosting this summit to connect developers with opportunities to clean up and redevelop these sites. Brownfields are properties where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance or contaminant. New York State offers significant tax credits and liability protections to encourage brownfield cleanup and redevelopment.

This is not just about erasing blight. It is a strategic move to build a more sustainable and prosperous future. Redeveloping a brownfield site utilizes existing infrastructure, prevents urban sprawl, and can bring jobs and new tax revenue back to the heart of our communities. It is the ultimate form of recycling, applied to our landscape.

The Challenge and the Principled Path Forward

The path to redevelopment is not easy. Cleanup can be expensive, and the environmental risks are real. This is why a coordinated strategy, led by organizations like MVEDD, is so important. It requires bringing together local governments, state agencies, private developers, and community stakeholders to find solutions that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible.

A purely profit-driven approach could lead to cutting corners on cleanup or creating developments that do not serve the community’s best interests. That is why our values must guide this process. We need to ensure that redevelopment projects include public benefits, such as affordable housing, green space, or jobs for local residents. We must insist on transparency and rigorous environmental oversight to protect public health.

A Vision for a Renewed Mohawk Valley

Imagine a former factory site transformed into a vibrant mixed-use development with apartments, shops, and a riverfront park. Picture an old gas station replaced by a new community health clinic. This is the promise of brownfield redevelopment. It is a chance to honor our history not by preserving ruins, but by building a new legacy of innovation and resilience on the foundations of the past.

The upcoming summit is a crucial step in making that vision a reality. It is a sign of a region that is not afraid to tackle its toughest challenges head-on.

What old site in your town do you wish could be given a new life? Let us know your ideas in the comments, and share this story to support this important regional effort.