Brownfields, toads, and the struggle for neighborhood redevelopment - A case study of the state of New Jersey

A survey was made of all municipalities in the state of New Jersey (N = 566 ) to determine how many had brownfields sites that caused property devaluat ion and land-use changes beyond the site boundaries. Most municipalities (8 0%, n = 450) replied; 10% indicated that brownfields sites caused neighborh ood impacts, and 3% reported land-use and neighborhood impacts more than on e-quarter mile from the site and multiple land-use changes as a result of a brownfield site. Typically, this last group of neighborhoods also had neig hborhood problems such as unsafe conditions and inadequate services. Policy suggestions for this group of highly stressed neighborhoods are discussed.