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Brownfields Success Stories
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Scenes of the overall site and cleaning, June 1997 for the new hydroponic tomato plant in Buffalo. |  |
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Brownfields in progress!! Latest construction progress scenes of the new hydroponic tomato plant. |  |
Move over Buffalo wings! A new taste treat - hydroponic tomatoes, will soon be growing in Buffalo thanks in part to the Brownfields Pilot program. This innovative greenhouse facility is a major part of Buffalo's efforts in finding new uses for abandoned industrial properties. A site that once produced millions of tons of steel will soon be producing millions of pounds of tomatoes thanks to a public / private partnership to redevelop the south side of the city.
The project included an $800,000 site cleanup. This was accomplished through a cooperative effort on the part of LTV, the former owners of the steel plant, and state and federal agencies including the EPA and NYSDEC. A specific voluntary cleanup plan for the site was worked out. Cleanup tasks were completed in about three months. Since the site is within a New York State Economic Development Zone and a Federal Enterprise Zone, tax incentives were able to be applied to help the economic viability of the project.
A "topping-off" ceremony was held September 7, 1997 and construction of the $15 Million greenhouse complex on South Park Avenue is underway. The 17-acre facility includes a 763,000 square foot greenhouse and a 42,000 square foot packing, mechanical, and administrative building. Plans include installation of 750,000 feet of heating and irrigation piping. The climate controlled facility will grow tomatoes 11 1/2 months a year, and a new crop will be planted during the other two weeks. Construction completion is expected in December, and the first harvest from 175,000 tomatoes is anticipated in March. The facility will be operated by Village Farms of Buffalo, a subsidiary of Agro Power Development.
Most importantly, the project provides jobs for 175 workers to grow the 8 million pounds of greenhouse tomatoes a year. This project will help spur the cleanup and redevelopment of hundreds of acres on the other side of South Park Avenue. The overall strategic plan deals with 1,500 acres of which 1,000 will be developed and the other 500 acres used for habitat, a golf course, and greenspace.
Regional Brownfields Hotline (800) 346-5009
Pilots in Region 2 | Pilot Assessments | National Web Site |Grant Application |Contacts | Resource Directory | Quarterly Reports
