Brownfield & Site Reuse Program

Written By Marah Meek

At Fortitude Community Farm School, we are actively pursuing vacant lots to establish community gardens through the Brownfields Site Reuse & Revitalization Program. These abandoned and underutilized spaces present an opportunity for us to transform them into vibrant and productive areas where community members can come together to grow fresh produce, foster connections, and promote environmental sustainability. We are not only revitalizing the land but also creating a positive impact on the health and well-being of our community.

Brownfields Site Reuse & Revitalization Program Overview

"Brownfields" are properties that are, or may be perceived to be, contaminated. Brownfields are vacant and underutilized properties previously used for industrial or commercial activities that may have resulted in contamination from petroleum or hazardous substances. Often seen as eyesores, these sites may consequently stall an area's progress and development. Brownfields can also be seen as redevelopment opportunities with the potential to transform community liabilities into assets through a revitalization that brings new life to an area. The Site Reuse and Revitalization Program is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Assessment Grants awarded in 2022 to the City of Bakersfield.  The EPA defines brownfields as "real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential [i.e. perceived] presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant."

The Program is managed by the City with support from an environmental consulting team led by Stantec Consulting Services Inc. (Stantec). The grant program funds Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) and other planning/reuse activities at eligible publicly and privately-owned brownfield sites over a three-year period (through September 2025).

The City’s overall goal is to support development and reduce the risks to human health and the environment by supporting the redevelopment of underutilized, blighted brownfield properties.  Grant funds will be used to: 

  • Establishing and maintaining a comprehensive brownfield site inventory.

  • Conducting Phase I and II ESAs to facilitate the cleanup, transfer, and redevelopment of brownfields.

  • Engaging the community and stakeholders in identifying and prioritizing sites, and redevelopment planning

  • Conducting focused area planning within one focus area (the Baker Street corridor) including market analysis, existing conditions/infrastructure evaluation studies, site-specific reuse planning for catalyst brownfield sites, and community visioning exercises to inform a common redevelopment strategy and implementation plan.

Marah Meek