Narrative proposal – single spaced, max 17 pages - City of Meriden

7) Identify know ongoing or anticipated environmental enforcement actionsThe CTDEP has settled enforcement against the former owner for $1,000,000. These fundswere fully expended in cleaning up the site’s immediate hazards. No other enforcementaction is known or anticipated.8) Liability and Defenses/Protectionsa) Property Acquisition: The City is able to take ownership of the property because it isabandoned and the owners of the parcel cannot be found. The property would beacquired from BL &A Associated LTD Partnership through a public condemnation forflood control purposes or through a foreclosure action for real property taxes. Feesimple ownership would occur by June 30, 2007. The City has had no familial,contractual, corporate or financial relationships or affiliations with the prior ownerbeyond the collection of taxes.b) Timing of Hazardous Substance Disposal: All disposal of hazardous substances atthe site occurred prior to acquisition by the City. The City is not a responsible party toany release of hazardous substances at the site.c) Pre-Purchase Inquiry: The City of Meriden has conducted an assessment ofenvironmental conditions. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was completed inApril 2006 and a Phase II/III is currently being completed. An update of the Phase Iassessment will be completed within 180 days prior to the City’s taking ownership of theproperty.d) Post-Acquisition Uses: In 2006, the City of Meriden hosted a community designcharrette to look at redevelopment of brownfields in the downtown area. One area offocus in the charrette was the 77 Cooper Street site. A redevelopment concept wascreated for the property which called for a passive recreation area (green space), includeda walking path on the east side of Harbor Brook for the residents surrounding the site aswell as additional parking for the adjacent high-rise apartments. The proposed plan alsocalled for resting stations where the residents could observe wildlife that would be drawnto the area and the use of plant life common to various birds. This reuse is consistentwith the City’s CEDS downtown revitalization plan. As a high-developed industrialbased City, Meriden has limited open space. Downtown is densely populated andbrownfields offer the only opportunity for creating green space. The proposed reuse ofthe property will reduce flooding in the downtown, and enhance residential andcommercial developments immediately adjacent to the site, thus improving propertyvalues and creating the possibility for redevelopment of underutilized properties nextdoor.e) Continuing Obligations:Once ownership is obtained, the City will take reasonable steps to stop any continuingrelease, prevent any future releases, and prevent or limit exposure to any previouslyreleased hazardous substance by implementing a remedial action plan that addresses thesubsurface contamination. As per CERCLA’s requirements, the City will:City of Meriden FY 2007 Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application Page 6 of 19