
SPR Achieves Extraordinary Brownfield Cleanup Program Results in 2024
SPR is proud to announce the Firm’s extraordinary results in 2024 for clients with sites in the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP).
The BCP is a voluntary, incentive-based program in which contaminated properties known as “brownfields” can be remediated for redevelopment and reuse. The successful remediation of a BCP site culminates in the issuance of a Certificate of Completion (COC) by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), which certifies that the site has achieved the cleanup level consistent with its intended future use. The COC further provides certain liability protections for site owners and operators, and also triggers the availability of BCP tax incentives.
In 2024, NYSDEC issued 63 COCs Statewide. SPR provided counsel to 18 (or approximately 30%) of those BCP sites, which are located throughout New York City and were remediated to accommodate various future uses, ranging from commercial to unrestricted use. Notably, nearly 1,600 new affordable housing units will be constructed on the Firm’s 2024 BCP sites, which will help to alleviate the historic housing crisis in New York City. In prior years, SPR has helped clients obtain COCs for BCP sites located across the State
Highlighting one of the Firm’s major 2024 BCP successes, five separate sites that are part of the greater Willets Point redevelopment—New York City’s largest 100% affordable housing development in 40 years—achieved COCs this year. These five BCP sites will cumulatively add over one thousand new affordable units to the neighborhood. Upon completion, the entire Willets Point project will deliver more than 2,500 affordable homes, roughly 150,000 square feet of new public open space, and significant infrastructure upgrades to the community.
These 2024 BCP achievements illustrate SPR’s unparalleled experience and expertise in advising clients on how to remediate contaminated sites and navigate the BCP. Read more about SPR’s capabilities and attorneys here.