Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA)

Under the Brownfield Redevelopment Act PA 381 of 1996, as amended, a municipality may create a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) to develop and implement Brownfield projects.

A “brownfield” is a previously developed parcel or parcels that may present certain hindrances, including environmental issues, to use for new development. Brownfield redevelopment may use Tax Increment Financing (TIF). This tool is designed to promote economic growth, support job creation, and business retention. Communities across Michigan have utilized BRA districts to incentivize the redevelopment of the built environment.

The City of Hastings BRA reviews proposals for the redevelopment of eligible property and determines what financial incentives are necessary to assist the redevelopment. The Authority prepares a plan that identifies the Brownfield projects. Each project section of the plan includes the description of the eligible property, the eligible activities, the TIF approach to be taken and other issues related to the subject parcels. The Authority then recommends that the City Council hold a public hearing regarding the plan and subsequently act to approve modifications or deny the plan. The Authority recommends revisions to the plan as new projects are submitted or revisions are requested on existing plans

Goal

Focus development in existing service areas, enhance tax base through private development, receive multiple taxing jurisdiction participation in redevelopment financing, redevelop functionally obsolete properties, and remove blight.

Objective

Support individual project based Brownfield Plans as they are proposed for eligible sites within the City.