The Brownfield Opportunity Area

ProgramOER-NPCR Capacity Building

WorkshopNovember 23, 2010

Administered by NYS DOS

Area-wide planning for brownfield redevelopment

Addresses community wide improvement

Flexible funding source for planning and pre- development activities

BOA funds support a collaborative planning process

The Brownfield Opportunity Area Program

BOAs in NYC

17 BOAs in New York City

Broad diversity in BOA groups and communities

Varying priorities such as waterfront access, open space, enhanced mobility, affordable housing and green jobs creation

Distinct CBO Objectives include creating a framework for revitalization, highlighting an unmet need, pursuing development activities

The BOA Planning Process:

Supports relationship building across diverse community interest groups

Establishes an informed community vision

Leverages planned public improvements

Is an additional funding source for research and analysis

Makes possible new partnerships or achieve special designations

BOA Opportunities

Step 1 – Pre-Nomination Provides a preliminary description and analysis of the proposed Brownfield Opportunity Area

Step 2 – Nomination Study Provides an in-depth and thorough description and analysis of the proposed BOA and identifies strategic sites

Step 3 – Implementation StrategyProvides funding to identify strategic actions to facilitate BOA plan implementation

Designation of a BOA Process may culminate in the designation of a BOA

The BOA Process

Using BOA Funding: Step 2

Site Reconnaissance and Analysis• Assessment of structures, buildings, or facilities on project site• Infrastructure Analysis• Assessment of transportation/circulation systems• Topography and hydrology• Zoning and other applicable designations• Analysis of site constraints, needs and opportunities

Site Build-out Assessment and Analysis• Build-out and bulk analysis• Visual analysis/shadow analysis• Other impact assessments per SEQRA

Site Specific Redevelopment Analysis• Redevelopment feasibility analysis• Market demand study • Highest and best use study to determine optimal land value• Gap analysis to determine need for financial subsidies

Land Assemblage Analysis and Strategies• Property assemblage strategies• Ownership survey and analysis• Tax lien properties analysis• Relocation feasibility analysis

Using BOA Funding: Step 3Activities to advance redevelopment on strategic sites such as:

•Title searches• Property appraisals• Site surveys• Conceptual/schematic site or building design• Redevelopment cost estimation• Identifying opportunities for sustainable design and energy efficiency• Website development• Developing marketing strategies• Requests for proposals for developer/operator• Tenant attraction activities

Activities to advance area-wide revitalization:

• Infrastructure and transportation improvement studies• Grant writing for plan implementation• Development of community benefit agreements• Establishing business Improvement Districts• Establishing Urban Renewal Areas or Empire Zones• Advancing or supporting rezoning efforts

BOA Designation and BenefitsBOA Designation

Secretary of State may designate a BOA after Step 3: Implementation Strategy is completed.

• Preference and priority for funding is conferred on projects in designated BOAs.

Preference and Priority

Funding programs that currently provide Preference and Priority to BOA projects• Multiple grant programs within DOS, DEC and Parks, Recreation and

Historic Preservation

• Restore New York

• Brownfield Tax Credit Bonus

• Upstate/ Downstate Revitalization ESD Funds

• NYC BIG program

Application process - Accepted on a rolling basis but advanced for final approval twice annually in May and September

BOA Award Process- Most BOA awards subject to legislative MOU-Takes up to 12 months

Contract Approval- Requires review by multiple state agencies - Can take up to 12 months to complete- 25% payment advance upon execution

18

– 30

mon

ths fro

m a

pp

licatio

n to

con

tract

BOA Timeline

BOA Timeline

BOA Planning Process

Convene a Local Steering Committee

Ongoing Public Outreach and Communication

Consultant Procurement

Research, analysis and pre-development activities

Final Report Submission

BOA Planning timeline is dependent on many variables including depth and types of analysis to

be conducted.

12

– 24

mon

ths fro

m L

SC

con

ven

ing

to fi

nal

rep

ort

Advancing through the Steps of the BOA program:

The culminating point of each Step is the submission of a report to DOS

Final report review and approval is an iterative process

Each Step in the process requires a distinct application and contracting process

It is difficult for CBOs to continue work between BOA phases - No dedicated source of bridge funding - BOA grantees usually discontinue activities prior to payment advance

Program Advancement

Takeaways

BOA Funds support area wide planning as well as pre- development activities

NYC CBOs vary in their goals and priorities for BOA projects

State administrative and legislative processes and unpredictable access to funding may slow down CBO planning and development activities

Program has improved over its lifespan and is still maturing