Brownfields and Public Health: What can be learned from The City of Chester, PA

Research Interest: Brownfields are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To revitalize neighborhoods where Brownfields exist, there has been movement toward redevelopment. Examples include Ypsilanti, Michigan; East St. Louis Illinois, and the city of Chester, Pennsylvania. The purpose of this paper is to examine the city of Chester Brownfield development from an economic and public health perspective; and apply indicators to other areas to see how well we can predict success or failure of Brownfield redevelopment.

Objectives: In this research, we develop an economic/public health nexus wherein we examine the recapitalization of Brownfields, the bond ratings of counties with Brownfield redevelopments and the future of the county's financial health.

Methods: We adopt a meta-analysis approach to isolate the relevant issues necessary for a successful bond offering so that Brownfield redevelopment can be accomplished. . We will also compare the public health indicators of individuals living near these Brownfields in order to ascertain necessary services that would be required.

Results: Characteristics individuals living near Brownfields include poverty, high incidence of cancer rates, high lead blood levels in children, higher asthma rates in addition to the possible correlation to higher infant mortality rates and lower birth weights. Examining whether there is a recursive relationship between economic indicators and public health services, in these especially needy areas is the goal of our project.