NEW YORK—City initiatives launched last week to help new and small businesses were the focus of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s weekly radio address Sunday morning.
First, Bloomberg mentioned the Brownfield Cleanup Program, which he established in January 2011 to reclaim formerly polluted sites. The program has 30 sites under construction or completed, and another 45 enrolled.
A brownfield site is one that has been contaminated with toxins and deemed unsuitable for development. In addition to costly cleanups, businesses may face liability for the damage.
“Even if they had no role in polluting the areas in the first place,” Bloomberg said. “That’s changing. We are making reclaiming these sites a real priority.”
Through the cleanup program, developers can receive up to $85,000 to investigate and clean up a brownfield site.
Ayton Performance, a firm that provides engine consulting to major racing manufacturers such as Honda Racing, GM, and Porsche, received nearly $80,000 for its development. Ayton will build its new shop on a former brownfield site in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
