BUNNELL -- As an older city, the county seat faces challenges when trying to revitalize its downtown core. While the city's Community Redevelopment Agency waits for property
tax revenues to rise for new projets, officials aren't waiting to find
other ways to pay for revitalization efforts.One possible solution is through state and federal brownfields
redevelopment programs. To help residents and community leaders
understand the process and provide information about resources and
incentives, city officials held a brownfields workshop at the historic
City Hall earlier this week."It's vital we tap into other programs on finding sources to spur
economic development and redevelopment in our downtown area," said Judi
Stetson, the city's CRA director. "As an older community, events have
happened and it's a priority of the city to revitalize our downtown. We
feel it is in our best interest to provide as much information and
resources as possible."Michale Barr, president of Crossroads Development Solutions and
chairman of the Bunnell Chamber of Commerce, said the brownfields
initiative is "not necessarily a single tool" for the city's efforts,
but "it is an effective addition."Barr added it is important for the city to explore all options
available for grants and other funding opportunities to help redevelop
its downtown area."There are so many different programs out there and you can assemble them with others," he said.Stetson said one of the reasons for holding the brownfields workshop
is because many people don't understand what brownfields are.Cyndi Romero, with Enercon Environmental Services, said many people have a negative perception of the term "brownfields."
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