City of Palm Bay Secures Role in $1.5M Brownfields Assessment Grant to Reclaim 'The Compound'

Collaborative Effort with Regional Partners Aims to Transform Contaminated Sites into Catalysts for Economic Growth

Palm Bay, FL — The City of Palm Bay has been named a subrecipient of a $1.5 million Brownfields Assessment Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Awarded to the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (RPC), the grant will be distributed over four years to address brownfield sites in Palm Bay, south Melbourne, Kissimmee, and Apopka. Oversight of the initiative will be managed by the East Central Florida Resilient Corridors Coalition, led by the RPC.

What is a Brownfield?

Brownfields are properties where redevelopment is complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous contaminants. Examples include former industrial sites, gas stations, and abandoned warehouses. The EPA’s Brownfields Assessment Grants support efforts to identify, assess, and plan the cleanup and reuse of these properties, thereby driving economic development and revitalization.

Focus on Palm Bay’s 'The Compound'

Palm Bay’s share of the grant will focus on "The Compound," a large, undeveloped area with significant redevelopment potential. Grant funds will support Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). Phase I involves reviewing historical records, conducting site inspections, and interviewing stakeholders to identify potential contamination risks. If contamination is suspected, Phase II follows with soil, water, and material sampling to confirm and measure the extent of the contamination.

"Brownfields grant funding can serve as a vital economic development tool to foster redevelopment and reuse of key commercial and industrial sites in communities where there is real or perceived contamination,” said Deputy City Manager Joan Junkala-Brown.

By covering the cost of site assessments, the grant removes a significant barrier for developers, encouraging investment in areas like The Compound.

How the Grant Will Be Used

The East Central Florida Resilient Corridors Coalition will hire a consulting firm to support grant implementation. Key activities include:

• Community Engagement: Educating and involving residents.

• Site Identification: Selecting and prioritizing parcels for assessment.

• Collaboration with Property Owners: Facilitating access to properties for environmental reviews.

• Environmental Assessments: Conducting Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments.

The City of Palm Bay will formalize its role through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the RPC. This agreement will define responsibilities, grant fund usage, and partner collaboration.

About the Coalition

The East Central Florida Resilient Corridors Coalition is a regional partnership aimed at promoting economic growth and community resilience. It operates under the East Central Florida Regional Resilience Collaborative, which supports sustainable development and prepares communities for natural disasters and economic challenges.

What’s Next?

Once the MOU is signed and a consulting firm is selected, the Coalition will begin site identification and environmental assessments. Community members will have opportunities to engage through public forums and provide input on site selection. Project updates will be shared through the city’s website and local media to ensure transparency and public participation.

Why This Matters to Palm Bay

Redeveloping brownfields boosts economic growth, attracts new businesses, and increases property values. Projects like The Compound support smart growth principles by repurposing underutilized properties, reducing urban sprawl, and promoting sustainable development. By transforming brownfields into productive spaces, Palm Bay is working toward a future of vibrant, connected communities.

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For ongoing updates and information on how Palm Bay’s efforts are progressing, visit The Palm Bayer.