Commercial Development Co., which acquires polluted industrial properties to clean and repurpose them, is facing accusations from communities across North America for failing to redevelop many sites it owns, leaving economic hopes unfulfilled.
Daniel Propp reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Commercial Development Co. (CDC) profits from acquiring contaminated properties by earning fees from property owners and auctioning salvaged materials.
- Out of 63 brownfield sites reviewed, fewer than 25% have been fully redeveloped, with some remaining vacant for years.
- Local officials say CDC's limited liability structure can obscure accountability, leaving towns burdened by environmental and economic stagnation.
Key quote:
“... the city of Janesville was sold a bill of goods when they acquired that property and now we’re trying to un-ring that bell.”
— Kevin Lahner, city manager of Janesville, Wisconsin
Why this matters:
Brownfield properties often sit in economically distressed areas, making their redevelopment critical for job creation and revitalization. Unused sites can also pose ongoing environmental risks, leaving nearby communities exposed to pollution and without promised economic recovery.
